The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles announced that slugging infielder Kevin Youkilis will return to the United States to have his injured left heel examined and treated.
Youkilis, playing in his first season in Japan, hurt his heel during the Eagles' game on April 26 against the Orix Buffaloes and was deactivated the following day. In 21 games, he has a .215 batting average with one home run and 11 RBIs.
A timetable for his return will be decided after the results of the exam are known.