Red Sox Set Rotation, Beckett Goes Friday Against Rays
BOSTON (CBS) - Josh Beckett will make his return to the Red Sox rotation Friday night at Fenway Park against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Manager Terry Francona announced the Red Sox rotation for the rest of the week, with a four-game series against the Rays and four more against the Orioles to close out their home schedule for the 2011 season.
Beckett missed the last week after spraining his ankle prior to his September 5 start in Toronto. He threw a successful side session on Monday, setting him up for his Friday return.
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Beckett is 12-5 with a 2.49 ERA in 27 starts this season. He is 1-0 in two starts against the Rays, allowing just two hits in 17 innings and no runs.
Rookie Kyle Weiland (0-1, 6.75 ERA) will start on Thursday when the Tampa series kicks off. Jon Lester (15-7, 3.07) will pitch on Saturday, with Tim Wakefield (7-6, 5.13) going for career win #201 on Sunday.
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The Red Sox begin their final home series with a double-header against the Orioles on Monday. John Lackey (12-12, 6.30) will pitch the first game, with the start of the second game yet to be announced. It's possible Erik Bedard (1-2, 3.66), who missed his last start due to a knee issue, could return for the game.
