Kevin Youkilis needs surgery on his thumb, and that will end his season.

Prior to the injury the 31-year old first baseman was having one of the best seasons of his career, hitting .307/.411/.564 with 19 homers and 62 RBI. Without his bat in the lineup, the Red Sox may find the six games between them and a playoff spot (currently they’re closest to the wild card-leading Rays) very difficult to make up.

Yes, it’s a huge blow. With Dustin Pedroia‘s injury taking longer to heal than expected, the Red Sox find themselves in a similar position to the Phillies, trying to gain in the division with their all-star right side of the infield out.

Of course, the Red Sox still have some offense. J.D. Drew, Victor Martinez, David Ortiz and Adrian Beltre still can generate enough runs if the pitching can live up to the task. Losing Youkilis makes the task tougher, but not impossible. In a year when pitching and defense was supposed to rule Boston, the offense carried the season. It’s time for the pitching to step up.