Report: White Sox won't pick up Kevin Youkilis' option

The White Sox are unlikely to pick up Kevin Youkilis’ $13 million option at the end of the season, according to the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.

Since coming over to the White Sox, Youkilis has hit .256/.377/.488 in 146 plate appearances. But the White Sox didn’t give up much to get him and aren’t paying much of his 2012 salary, so they are content to use him as a rental player. If the White Sox do part ways with Youkilis, they would have to buy him out for $1 million.

Cafardo also talked about some other rumors in his ‘Updates on nine’ section.

• There was considerable interest in Red Sox catcher Kelly Shoppach at the deadline, but the team didn’t want to part with the veteran. The Red Sox did, however, gauge interest in catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The team wants to see if Ryan Lavarnway is ready to contribute in the majors. If he performs well, Saltalamacchia could be offered again.

• Astros manager Brad Mills could be in jeopardy of losing his job this year. As expected, the Astros have struggled this year, with a 36-72 record. 

• Terry Francona should garner a lot of interest as a manager during the off-season, but it’s unclear where he would go. It doesn’t look like there will be a lot of manager openings, according to Cafardo. 

• Orioles pitching coordinator Rick Peterson could draw interest as a pitching coach during the off-season. Before joining the Orioles, Peterson most recently worked as the pitching coach for the Brewers. 

• Now that the Phillies have dealt Shane Victorino, they may focus on Michael Bourn in the off-season. They could also target Jacoby Ellsbury, Denard Span and Peter Bourjos. Bourn is set to be a free agent, but Ellsbury, Span and Bourjos would have to be acquired in trades. 

• The Rangers asked the Red Sox about Josh Beckett, Jacoby Ellsbury and Kelly Shoppach at the deadline, but never considered parting with Josh Hamilton. If the Rangers can’t re-sign Hamilton in the off-season, the Dodgers and Yankees could go after him.