"His teammates took their time arriving at Fenway Park yesterday, most having crawled into bed at sunrise following an overnight flight from Texas. But Kevin Youkilis was at the park early with a full agenda.

The third baseman, who is on the disabled list with a strained lower back, took batting practice in the cage and then hit the field for defensive drills.

Youkilis is set to join Triple A Pawtucket in Rochester, N.Y., on Tuesday for a two-day rehabilitation assignment.

"He's doing really well,'' manager Terry Francona said. "He's been making progress. He's doing fine.''"