Josh Beckett will start Tuesday in the Red Sox series opener in Philadelphia after the latest rotation shuffle for Boston, according to reports out of Pittsburgh.
Beckett had his start last Tuesday scratched due to an illness. He was pushed back to Saturday, but as the flu bug continued to bother him, that start became an issue as well.
So, manager Terry Francona has slotted Beckett into what could be a fantastic matchup opposite Cliff Lee in Philadelphia.
After Jon Lester goes in the opener of the nine-game road trip Friday night, Tim Wakefield will take Beckett’s start Saturday against the Pirates. Wakefield last threw Sunday against Milwaukee, posting eight strong innings in career victory No. 197. It will be his first start at Pittsburgh since Sept. 30, 1993, when he threw the second of two consecutive complete-game shutouts at Three Rivers Stadium.
Andrew Miller starts Sunday before the team enjoys a day off Monday.
John Lackey and Lester will follow Beckett against the Phillies on Wednesday and Thursday.
