Youkilis scratched with stiff back

SEATTLE – Kevin Youkilis has a stiff back and was a late scratch for the Boston Red Sox as they opened a three-game series in Seattle.

Youkilis was scheduled to hit fourth and play third base on Friday night but was pulled from the lineup about 2½ hours before first pitch. Jed Lowrie replaced Youkilis and moved into the No. 2 spot in the batting order, while Dustin Pedroia was dropped from second to fourth in the lineup.

It was the 10th game Youkilis has sat out this season. He is hitting .266 with 16 homers and 76 RBIs.