36 Kevin Youkilis, 3B

Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis (back) could be ready to come off the disabled list next week, according to ESPN. Youkilis has been participating in extended spring games in Tampa.

Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis (back) took six at-bats during a simulated game Wednesday, the Journal News reports. But the Yankees aren't sure when he'll be ready for a real game. 

"I can't tell you," manager Joe Girardi said. "I think you have to give him a few days in a row before you evaluate to make sure that his back is healed and it doesn’t come back. The last two days have been pretty good, so he’s getting closer."

Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis took three at-bats Tuesday, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. Youkilis took some batting practice and fielding drills Monday. 

Youkilis was only tracking pitches Monday but was allowed to swing away Tuesday. He remains at least a week away from returning for the Yankees.  

Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis was able to take batting practice and field ground balls Monday, the Journal News reports.

That said, Youkilis is almost certainly at least a week away from returning for New York manager Joe Girardi.

"Is it possible we see him on this road trip? Maybe," Girardi said. "But I would expect to see him maybe a little bit the following week if everything goes OK."

Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis has been making progress in his rehab of a back injury, the Journal News reports Sunday. 

Youkilis has been hitting off a tee and against soft toss. He's also been taking ground balls. Manager Joe Girardi said Youkilis is advancing well. 

The Yankees have not given Youkilis' return a target date. He's on the disabled list retroactive to April 28.