Matsuzaka out for Friday’s game against Rays
As the Boston Red Sox head into one of their most important series of the season they will be without starter Daisuke Matsuzaka for Friday’s opener. Matsuzaka experienced some stiffness in his back and the Sox don’t plan on taking any chances. Boston heads into the series 5.5 games behind Tampa Bay for both the division lead and the wild card lead.
Manager Terry Francona quickly altered the team’s starting rotation. With Jon Lester scheduled to start in Wednesday’s game, he inserted Tim Wakefield as the starter in the Red Sox game on Wednesday against Seattle, saving Lester for the series opener against the Rays.
"It kind of came in a hurry," said Francona. "We kind of put the doctor on the spot - what do we got?" Francona said. "He said he can't guarantee Matsuzaka will feel better tomorrow. It might go either way.”
Matsuzaka has not had good numbers against the Rays this season, going 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA this season. Lester is 1-1 against the Rays with a 5.25 ERA but won in his only start at Tropicana Field this season, allowing only one hit in six innings of work.
This is shaping up to be one of those make it or break it series for the Red Sox. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain some significant ground on the Rays and with just over a month left in the season, the opportunities to do so will quickly fade away.
They have to go into Tampa Bay and at least take two of three from the Rays. The pitching matchups this weekend include Lester against David Price on Friday, Clay Buchholz taking on Matt Garza on Saturday and John Lackey against James Shields on Saturday. All pitchers have winning records and two Cy Young candidates in Price and Buchholz.
Matsuzaka experienced the stiffness in his back while throwing pitches on Wednesday with pitching Coach John Ferrell. His return date is unknown but signs point to him being ready for next week.
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