Chicago @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 17, 2012 ) Chi. White Sox 7, Boston 5

Kevin Youkilis once said that David Ortiz was his favorite teammate on the Boston Red Sox. Now on the other side, it looks like Youkilis prefers when his friend is off the field. Youkilis did not have much to show for his three-hit effort in the series opener on Monday but belted the key three-run homer on Tuesday as Ortiz watched from the opposite dugout. Ortiz, who is out with a heel injury, is not expected back soon.

The Chicago White Sox had averaged two runs in their three previous games prior to Tuesday, when Youkilis led the attack in a 7-5 triumph over the Red Sox. Just when Boston got back Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury, the team is now without its lone All-Star in Ortiz. The slugger was in a boot on Tuesday and will go for a second opinion after an initial MRI revealed no tear or rupture to the right Achilles tendon. He is out at least a week.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Pedro Hernandez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Felix Doubront (9-4, 4.41)

Hernandez will make his major league debut in a spot start in place of Gavin Floyd (elbow), who was placed on the disabled list Tuesday. Hernandez went 7-2 with a 2.90 ERA between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte this season. The 23-year-old left-hander was acquired in the offseason deal with the San Diego Padres. In turn, Carlos Quentin was shipped out west.

Doubront earned a win before the All-Star break despite allowing four runs (three earned), including a pair of home runs to the New York Yankees. The Venezuelan left-hander has had trouble commanding his pitches at times, surrendering a total of 15 home runs. Doubront earned a win over Chicago on April 26, yielding three runs - one homer - and five hits in six frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox will rotate the designated hitter spot with Ortiz sidelined. Daniel Nava started on Tuesday and Boston could go with right-handed hitting Cody Ross or Nick Punto against the lefty Hernandez on Wednesday.

2. Carl Crawford went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases on Tuesday. He has piled four hits in two games so far, matching his total from the first seven games of 2011.

3. Hernandez will be the 10th rookie pitcher the White Sox have used this season and the 10th starting pitcher for the team as well.