Josh Beckett was scratched from the start last night with a stiff back, caused by the plane ride back from New York. Michael Bowden took his spot, God he was awful letting up 7 runs over 3 innings of work. The Sox were actually lucky that this game was rained out in the 7th, so they could keep the important guys in the bullpen off the field.
I wouldn't read into this loss too much. I know it is 4 in a row, and they aren't playing great, but think of things that have gone wrong. Lester gets hit in the leg on a comebacker, Beckett's back stiffens up and he can't start, these are just strange things that happen during a season.
The question now is will Beckett pitch again before the playoffs starts. My thinking is that he won't. He has pitched more innings this season then he has ever before. I expect the Sox to rest him until the playoffs with some bullpen sessions and simulated games sprinkled in.
The one positive out of this game was that Boston showed some power. Youk had 2 HRs and Ortiz knocked out another one. These guys are starting to roll, and you add that to the way Bay has played over the past two months and this lineup looks playoff ready.
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