BOSTON - First baseman Kevin Youkilis was removed from last night’s game after being hit in the eye by a baseball. He suffered a contusion under his right eye, and had a precautionary CT scan. Results of the scan were negative and Youkilis will be reexamined today.

“It was getting puffier and puffier by the second,” manager Terry Francona said. “By the time I got out there, I knew he wanted to stay in. He always wants to stay in. But because it was so swollen, we didn’t want him to bat.”

Between the fourth and fifth innings, Sox third baseman Mike Lowell short-hopped a throw to Youkilis. The ball bounced off the clay and hit Youkilis under the eye. He was attended to by trainer Paul Lessard and left the game.

Because of Sean Casey’s suspension, Brandon Moss took over at first base.

jmcdonal@projo.com