Youkilis comfortable hitting second

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MINNEAPOLIS -- Kevin Youkilis will hit second on Monday night when he makes his White Sox debut.

The veteran third baseman, who was acquired from the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, said hes not concerned with where he hits in the lineup because he has batted in all nine spots during his career.

The first-place White Sox face left-handed pitcher Francisco Liriano as they open a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins at 7:05 p.m on Comcast SportsNet.

Youkilis has only hit more in the cleanup and fifth spots in the lineup. He has started 99 games in the No. 2 hole and has hit .295 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs.

Its not unfamiliar territory for me, Youkilis said. Ive hit everywhere in the lineup. Its just a spot in the batting order and things can change in a week. I dont (put) too much emphasis on where Im hitting.

The addition of Youkilis moves second baseman Gordon Beckham into the ninth spot in the lineup.

Beckham is hitting .317 in his last 25 games and manager Robin Ventura hopes he can help in a spot where White Sox hitters have fared poorly.

The teams ninth hitters have a combined .173 average with 22 RBIs and .517 OPS.

Weve had issues at the bottom, too, Ventura said. I think it just extends our lineup.

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