Josh Beckett Scratched From Tuesday’s Start With Illness, Will Be Replaced by Alfredo Aceves

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Jun 21, 2011

BOSTON — Josh Beckett has been scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday due to an illness, manager Terry Francona announced late Monday night. Alfredo Aceves will pitch in Beckett's place.

Francona said that Beckett has not felt well for a few days, suffering from a stomach bug that has hit other members of the team. The staff sent him home early Monday hoping that rest could make him feel a bit better, but made the decision not to push the issue.

"The more we were thinking about it we kind of said, 'You know what? This is silly. You're that sick and kind of worried about pitching tomorrow,'" Francona said. "I'm not sure how good he would feel anyway."

The change throws the plans for the rotation for another loop. John Lackey is still scheduled to pitch Wednesday in the finale against San Diego. Jon Lester will probably go Friday in Pittsburgh. Andrew Miller, who threw Monday, was scheduled to pitch Saturday, but if Beckett can bounce back, he may slide back in around that time.

Much of it now remains up in the air. Francona said the schedule may be mapped out Tuesday.

Beckett was coming off one of his finest starts with the Red Sox. He limited Tampa Bay to just an infield single in an impressive shutout at Tropicana Field last Wednesday.

Aceves will be making his fourth start of the year for Boston. He is 3-1 with a 3.30 ERA in 18 games overall.

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