The Red Sox’ Kevin Youkilis grimaces after being hit by a pitch from the Royals’ Luke Hochevar during the first inning of last night’s series finale at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

MCT / John Sleezer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It could have been worse for Kevin Youkilis. Just don’t try suggesting that to him.

Youkilis took a fastball off the base of the right palm in the first inning. He took his base after a few minutes, but when the bottom of the inning came around, Sean Casey replaced him at first base.

The Sox had x-rays taken at Kauffman Stadium last night, which proved negative, and manager Terry Francona said the training staff reported that Youkilis could even be back in the lineup tomorrow night when the Sox open a four-game series against the White Sox in Chicago.

But that didn’t make the hand feel any better after last night’s 8-2 victory.

“It still hurts,” he said, “and it’s very swollen.”

It was the ninth time this season that Youkilis had been hit by a pitch, most on the Red Sox, and going into last night only four players in the American League had been hit more times.

Casey was 1-for-3 with a run scored in Youkilis’ absence.

Meanwhile, Youkilis’ 12-game hitting streak remains officially intact since he didn’t have an at-bat last night.

Around the bases

Jason Bay has hit safely in all six games since joining the Sox. He has two more hits last night and is 11-for-26 since joining the Sox … Kevin Cash was charged with a passed ball, giving him 12 for the season, most of any catcher in the game … It’s expected that David Aardsma will join the Sox in time for the series opener tomorrow night in Chicago, with Chris Smith returning to Pawtucket to make room on the roster. Aardsma made his second appearance Tuesday night in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as he finished up his rehab assignment from a groin pull, suffered last month.

smcadam@projo.com