Middlebrooks in lineup, Youkilis to DL

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BOSTONWill Middlebrooks, the Red Sox highly prized third base prospect, is in the lineup today, playing third base, batting eighth, to make his major league debut.

Middlebrooks was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket, to spell Kevin Youkilis, who has been sidelined for four straight games with an ailing back. Youkilis was placed on the disabled list retroactive to Sunday.

Middlebrooks would have gotten the call earlier this week. But shortstop Jose Iglesias was brought up instead. Middlebrooks had fouled a ball off his leg in two straight games and tweaked his thumb in another at-bat. He sat out Mondays game in Columbus, and played last night, allowing the Sox to ensure his health.

Middlebrooks traveled to Boston Wednesday morning from Toledo, where Pawtucket is playing. In 24 games this season, Middlebrooks, 23, is batting .333 with nine home runs, 27 RBI, a .380 on-base percentage, and .677 slugging percentage in 24 games with Pawtucket. He also has three stolen bases in four attempts.

I dont know, Middlebrooks said, standing in the middle of the Red Sox clubhouse before Wednesdays series finale against the As, when asked how long he expected to be here. They just said go out there, have fun, play ball.

Middlebrooks was a fifth-round pick of the Sox in 2007 out of Liberty Eylau High in Texarkana, Texas. He was able to let his parents know about his call-up, and expects them to arrive at Fenway Park just before game time.

Growing up, one of his role models was Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., he said.

He was a great player, Middlebrooks said. He played every day, so something Ill shoot for.

Who does he compare himself to?

I dont know, he said. Thats a tough question. I dont know. Ive never really tried to compare myself to other people. I want to be my own player and do things my way.

Hell get that chance starting tonight. Clayton Mortensen is also at Fenway Park and is expected to be added to the roster, as well.

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