Trip to disabled list a possibility for Youkilis

NEW YORK -- Kevin Youkilis took swings in the batting cage at Yankee Stadium on Friday, but he was out of the lineup again, and if he is not ready to start on Saturday, the Yankees could consider placing him on the disabled list.

Youkilis has not played since Saturday due to soreness in his lower back. He said his back is "getting better every day," but with the Yankees facing left-hander J.A. Happ on Saturday, manager Joe Girardi said that a retroactive stint on the DL is a possibility.

"Well, it's been a week now," Girardi said. "I think you look and see where he's at tomorrow, and then you make a decision what you're going to do, and when you think you're going to get him back."

If the Yankees retroactively place Youkilis on the DL, he would not be eligible to be activated until the first game of the May 7-9 series against the Rockies in Denver.

Youkilis spent time on the DL with tightness in his lower back in both 2011 and 2012 while with the Red Sox. He has yet not had any tests for this latest flareup, which could be a positive sign.

"We haven't had anything done," Girardi said. "They don't think it's an issue where he needs a test. Let's keep our fingers crossed for tomorrow."