Kevin Youkilis is expected to be re-activated from the disabled list in time for the Red Sox's game tonight against the Orioles. However, during his absence, the Sox called up their top prospect Will Middlebrooks to man the hot corner. He responded with a line of .297/.325/.581, including 5 home runs and 16 RBI over 74 ABs. Youkilis, meanwhile, started the year with a robust .219/.292/.344 over 64 ABs with 2 home runs and 9 RBI. While he has a place on the roster for now with Cody Ross conveniently going on the DL, are his days with the team numbered?

To add more in the way of a potential trade, Youk has a 12M salary commitment for this year and a 13M club option for 2013 with a 1M buyout. The Red Sox would conceivably absorb at least half, if not more, of his salary for a trade to even be remotely possible.

The Sox have had some injuries in the outfield and struggles in the bullpen. One of Nyjer Morgan or Carlos Gomez could prove interesting, or the potential of Logan Schafer and Caleb Gindl. A straight up trade with Francisco Rodriguez matches up need and salary wise, but that problem could turn into a get a crutch for the right leg and shoot yourself in the left foot scenario.

Do you make the call if you're sitting in Doug Melvin's chair? How far are you willing to go?