Kevin Youkilis (back) could begin on a rehab assignment as early as Wednesday.

Youkilis has been on the disabled list since April 28 with a lower back injury, but could rejoin the Yankees late next week if he can avoid setbacks. He was batting .266/.347/.422 in 72 plate prior to being placed on the DL.

Kevin Youkilis (back) will play in an extended spring training game Saturday.

Mark Teixeira is also slated to play as he works his way back from a wrist injury. Youkilis has been sidelined for nearly a month with a lumbar spine strain, but he could rejoin the Yankees late next week if he can avoid setbacks.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday that Kevin Youkilis (back) is "maybe a week" away from being activated.

Youkilis, out since April 27 with a lumbar spine strain, took six at-bats Wednesday in a simulated game. It's not clear if he'll go out on a brief rehab assignment, but he's getting close.

Kevin Youkilis (back) took six at-bats in a simulated game Wednesday.

It was reported previously that Youkilis played in an extended spring game Tuesday, but that was actually also a simulated game. It's not clear when he'll be ready to play in a real game, but he's not far off. "I can't tell you," Yankees 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."

Kevin Youkilis (back) took three at-bats in an extended spring training game on Tuesday.

It was his first bit of game action since landing on the disabled list with a lumbar spine sprain. Youkilis' recovery has gone slower than expected, but he's finally made some strides. The Yankees haven't revealed a timetable for his return, but early June seems about right.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Kevin Youkilis (back) will take batting practice "pretty soon."

Youkilis has hit off a tee and taken soft-toss and is nearing the next step. The Yankees haven't set a timetable for his return, but it's looking like he'll probably be back sometime in late May or early June.

Kevin Youkilis (back) hit off a tee and took soft-toss on Wednesday.

Youkilis had been hoping to return from a bulging disc in his back when eligible, but that time has come and passed. The next step in his rehab isn't yet known, but it's looking like he'll probably be back sometime in late May or early June.

Kevin Youkilis (back) believes he'll be ready to return from the disabled list when he's first eligible.

Youkilis says he's dealing with a bulging disc and some inflammation. While he hasn't resumed baseball activities yet, he's optimistic that an epidural injection will get him back on track. Jayson Nix will continue to fill in at third base for now and makes for a solid pickup in AL-only fantasy leagues.

Yankees placed 3B/1B Kevin Youkilis on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 28, with lower back tightness.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees are likely to place Kevin Youkilis (back) on the disabled list.

An MRI on Kevin Youkilis' back came back negative, but the Yankees are still considering placing him on the disabled list.

The club will decide later Monday whether or not to make a roster move, but Youkilis will receive an epidural on Tuesday either way. The infielder has been dealing with a back issue for over a week now, missing six of the last seven games.

Kevin Youkilis (back) is not Monday's lineup against the Astros.

Youkilis has been dealing with lower back stiffness and has been sidelined for six of the last seven games. He briefly returned to action on Saturday, but still isn't 100 percent. Youkilis had an MRI earlier today, so it's very possible he could be placed on the disabled list.

Kevin Youkilis (back) will undergo an MRI on Monday.

Youkilis returned to Yankees' lineup Saturday after missing the last six games, but he's still not 100 percent. The results of the MRI will determine whether Youkilis will be placed on the disabled list.

Kevin Youkilis' back remains stiff and will not be in the Yankees' lineup on Sunday.

Youkilis returned to action on Saturday after missing six games, but he's still not feeling 100 percent. It's not clear at this point if the Bombers might be considering placing him on the disabled list. Jayson Nix should handle third base again on Sunday.

Kevin Youkilis (back) returned to the Yankees' lineup Saturday.

Kevin Youkilis (back) is out of the Yankees' lineup for the sixth straight game Friday.

Youkilis was originally considered day-to-day, but he has failed to make much progress this week. The Yankees could place him on the disabled list if he's not ready Saturday. Jayson Nix will continue to fill in and makes for a nice short-term play in AL-only formats.

Kevin Youkilis (back) is out of the Yankees' lineup again Thursday.

The hope was that Youkilis would be ready to return Thursday, but he apparently needs at least one more day. The 34-year-old hasn't played since he left Saturday's game with lower back tightness. Jayson Nix will continue to fill in for now.

Kevin Youkilis (back) is out of the Yankees' lineup again Wednesday.

Youkilis hasn't played since he left Saturday's game with lower back tightness, but the hope is that he could be ready to return Thursday. Jayson Nix will fill in at third base again Wednesday.

Kevin Youkilis (back) is not expected to return to the Yankees' starting lineup until Thursday.

Youkilis hasn't appeared in a game since making an early exit Saturday in Toronto with lower back tightness. Jayson Nix started at the hot corner on Tuesday night.

Kevin Youkilis (back) is out of the Yankees' lineup again Tuesday.

Youkilis hasn't played since he left Saturday's game with lower back tightness. It might be another day or two before he's ready to return. Jayson Nix is starting in his place at third base Tuesday.