Red Sox manager Terry Francona is being cautious with his staff going into the stretch run. Veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield will miss his next start after going six innings and giving up four runs against the White Sox on Saturday.
With the Red Sox leading the wild-card race over the Texas Rangers by 2 1/2 games, Francona believes that it's best for Wakefield to "reassess" the condition that has hampered the 43-year-old.
Wakefield, who’s 11-4 with a 4.22 ERA, has been bothered by a stiff back and tight calf periodically throughout the season and was placed on the disabled list on July 18 with a lower back problem. Wakefield initially injured his back while throwing a side session.
Without Wakefield, Francona will have to manage his rotation and bullpen carefully, and avoid overtaxing any of the starters — Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Paul Byrd and Junichi Tazawa.
At this point, Francona has Wakefield scheduled to start again during the Baltimore series that begins on Sept. 18 in Baltimore. Francona reiterated that Wakefield has not undergone a setback. The team is just being careful with the pitcher to prevent aggravating any existing injuries.
