Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon told the Boston Herald that he will not be available to pitch in Wednesday night's tilt with the Angels.
The right-hander explained that he slipped in the bullpen Tuesday night and although he pitched the ninth inning in Boston's 4-1 win, he felt tightness in his lower back Wednesday morning.
Papelbon doesn't expect to be sidelined for more than one contest.
“This is just a one-day thing,” he said. “I’ll be back out there tomorrow. If we were tied [in the playoff race], I’d be out there.”
In the series-opening win, Paps allowed one run on two hits in one inning of work while striking out one batter. Papelbon has 36 saves in 39 save opportunities to go with a 2.00 ERA in 61 appearances.
