Yankees' Kevin Youkilis out 10-12 weeks with herniated disk

Kevin Youkilis' half-season career as a Yankee could be over after herniated disk surgery. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Third baseman Kevin Youkilis will be out 10-12 weeks after surgery for a herniated disk, the Yankees announced Tuesday.

Youkilis could finish the season -- and his one-year, $12 million contract -- on the disabled list.

The 34-year-old is batting .219 with two home runs and eight RBIs in 28 games for the Yankees. He has struggled at the plate -- 6-for-41 -- since returning from his first DL stint for a lumbar spine sprain. He returned to the DL on Friday after waking up with numbness in his big toe and calf.

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Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday that Youkilis passed his physical with "flying colors" before signing in January.

Youkilis' absence should mean more playing time for David Adams and Reid Brignac, and there remains a chance that Alex Rodriguez could return to the field.