Watch CBS News

Wakefield To Start For Buchholz Vs. Yankees

BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Red Sox plan to start Tim Wakefield instead of an ailing Clay Buchholz on Saturday against the New York Yankees.

Buchholz, who is 17-7 with a 2.33 ERA, has stiffness in his lower back, the team announced Friday. Wakefield is 4-10 with a 5.20 ERA.

The Yankees arrived in Boston for a season-ending three-game series beginning Friday night, but the opener was rained out and rescheduled as part of a day-night doubleheader Saturday.

New York still moved a half-game ahead of Tampa Bay, which lost to Kansas City 7-0, for first place in the AL East. The Red Sox were eliminated from playoff contention early this week.

Wakefield will face Andy Pettitte (11-3) in the 4:10 p.m. opener with Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-6), Friday's scheduled starter, facing A.J. Burnett (10-15) in the 9:05 p.m. nightcap.

John Lackey (13-11) is scheduled to pitch for the Red Sox on Sunday. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he didn't know yet who would start that game for him.

© 2010 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.