Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, singling in Dustin Pedroia during the first inning of yesterday’s 5-2 victory over the Athletics, has raised his batting average to .315.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

BOSTON — It’s obvious that Kevin Youkilis is locked in at the plate.

He’s been on a tear lately, and with his two-hit performance yesterday in the series finale against Oakland at Fenway Park, he has compiled a 10-game hitting streak. During that stretch, he’s hitting .348, with 2 doubles, 3 homers, 8 RBI and 9 runs scored.

“Some at-bats I don’t feel good and I get hits,” he said. “Then there some at-bats I do feel good and I don’t get hits. I’m just trying to stay consistent and keep my timing.”

Youkilis has 40 multi-hit games this season, and when he does that the Red Sox are 32-8.

“He’s swinging the bat good,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “That’s the kind of hitter he is. He’s seeing the ball very well. He always has good at-bats. It doesn’t matter what the score is, he’s going to give you the same at-bat every time. I mean that as a compliment. He just doesn’t give at-bats away.”

Youkilis is hitting .315, with 20 homers and 75 RBI, this season.

During the club’s recent nine-game homestand, he was put into the No. 2 spot in the order after Jacoby Ellsbury was moved from the leadoff spot to No. 9. Dustin Pedroia is now in the leadoff spot, and the 1-2 punch of him and Youkilis has been successful.

Rarity for Ortiz

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is known for his power and not his speed. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder stole his first base of the season yesterday, and only the 10th of his professional career. With two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, Ortiz drew a walk and then stole second. It was his first swipe since Sept. 2, 2007 against Baltimore. He had three stolen bases in 2007.

Drew gets day off

Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew was given yesterday off. Ellsbury played right, Coco Crisp was in center and Jason Bay played left.

“Lost in all that has happened (this week), he hasn’t had a day off in a long time,” said Francona. “Day game after a night game, and with three right-handers coming up, it seems to make sense.”

Drew has a .286 average, with 19 homers and 58 RBI, in 95 games this season.

Sox’ iron man

Not surprisingly, Mike Lowell played yesterday. The Sox’ third baseman has been bothered by a right-hip flexor but has played through it. Francona said he’s hoping to give Lowell today off, when the club travels to Kansas City to begin a six-game trip. Since replacing former Red Sox cleanup hitter Manny Ramirez in the No. 4 spot in the order, following last Thursday’s trade, Lowell is 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position. He was 0-for-3 in that category yesterday.

Lugo progressing

Injured shortstop Julio Lugo, who has been on the DL because of a quad strain, told The Journal on Saturday that he was able to jog for the first time since he suffered the injury on July 12.

Francona said yesterday that Lugo is progressing better than first thought, but the club isn’t about to rush him back.

“He’s not to a point where he’s going to go with us on the trip,” said the manager. “He’s actually doing great. He’s probably ahead of schedule.”

In Lugo’s absence, rookie Jed Lowrie has been solid at the plate and in the field, especially over the last three games.

jmcdonal@projo.com