From Wire Reports

BOSTON - Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis has been sent to an eye specialist after getting hit in the face by a one-hop throw in practice, and sat out last night's game against Arizona.

The 2007 American League Gold Glove winner was struck under the right eye Monday night by Mike Lowell's throw during infield warmups.

Youkilis arrived at Fenway Park yesterday afternoon with his eye swollen and watering. A CT scan on his face Monday night was negative.

Boston manager Terry Francona said he hopes Youkilis will be back in the lineup today.

NOTABLE

Nationals' Johnson likely out for season

WASHINGTON - Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his wrist yesterday and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Johnson had the surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He is expected to be healthy by spring training next year.

Johnson missed all of last season while recovering from a broken leg suffered late in the 2006 season.

He injured his wrist while swinging in a game against the Mets on May 13 and was placed on the disabled list two days later.

Johnson was batting .220 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 38 games this season. He also had 33 walks for a .415 on base percentage, the best mark of any Washington player. In other Nationals news:

Meanwhile, outfielder Brett Sellers of James Madison has signed a free agent contract with the Washington Nationals after working out and passing a physical. He's the 77th Dukes player to sign a pro contract and expects to start in the Gulf Coast League.

Sellers overcame two injury-plagued seasons. He batted .410 with 57 runs scored, 91 hits, 18 doubles, three triples, 17 home runs, 55 runs batted in, 16 steals and a .469 on-base percentage.

Blalock's return to Rangers delayed

ARLINGTON, Texas - Hank Blalock's return to the major leagues and his first-base debut for the Texas Rangers have been delayed.

Blalock, a two-time All-Star third baseman who is changing positions, had been scheduled to be activated from the disabled list in time for last night's game at Houston. But Blalock bruised his right hand diving for a ball in a game Sunday night while on a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma.

The bruise is considered minor, but it wasn't clear when Blalock would be activated.

Meanwhile, an MRI done on catcher Gerald Laird confirmed a pulled right hamstring muscle. Laird is expected to be out 4-6 weeks.

Christian called up to Yankees

PITTSBURGH - With outfielders Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui unable to play the field because of injuries, the New York Yankees purchased the contract of Justin Christian from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre and started him in left field against Pittsburgh last night.

Damon, hitting .323, is expected to be sidelined for a day or two with a sore left arch. Matsui has been bothered lately by a sore knee and can't be used as a designated hitter because the Yankees are in an NL park.

To make room for Christian, the Yankees optioned left-hander Billy Traber (0-0, 5.19 ERA in 9 2-3 innings) to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Marshall takes the mound

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs recalled left-hander Sean Marshall (Manchester, VCU) from Triple-A Iowa, put outfielder Reed Johnson on the disabled list and activated pinch-hitter Daryle Ward from the 15-day DL.

Marshall took the mound for the Cubs in the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. He began the year at Iowa before he was recalled April 9 and posted a 4.15 ERA in 13 relief appearances. He had a save and no decisions before he was sent back to Iowa in early May.