Josh Beckett visited Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham (Ala.) today, and according to the Boston Globe, Terry Francona reports that the ace learned that tests uncovered no problems. Beckett was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right elbow. The move, which is retroactive to Aug. 18, allows Boston to call up a player from the minor leagues. Rosters expand on September 1, and Beckett can be activated from the DL next week. According to Boston.com, Francona expects Beckett to start against the Texas Rangers next Friday.
As for tonight's Red Sox lineup, newcomer Mark Kotsay is in the leadoff spot as Jacoby Ellsbury gets a breather. With Sean Casey still hampered with a stiff neck - he joined J.D. Drew and Beckett at Andrews' office today - Alex Cora remains at shortstop, Jed Lowrie at third base and Kevin Youkilis at first base.
It will be interesting to see if Chris Carter will get a chance to play first base when rosters expand on Monday. The Red Sox batting order would be more formidable with Carter or Kotsay at first, Lowrie at shortstop and Youkilis at third. Mike Lowell's strained oblique is improving, but he is likely at least a full week away from returning to the lineup.
Here are the lineups for tonight's game:
Boston Red Sox
1. Mark Kotsay, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Jed Lowrie, 3B
7. Coco Crisp, CF
8. Alex Cora, SS
9. Jason Varitek, C
Starting Pitcher - Daisuke Matsuzaka
Chicago White Sox
1. Orlando Cabrera, SS
2. A.J. Pierzynski, C
3. Carlos Quentin, LF
4. Jermaine Dye, RF
5. Jim Thome, DH
6. Paul Konerko, 1B
7. Nick Swisher, CF
8. Alexei Ramirez, 2B
9. Joe Crede, 3B
Starting Pitcher - Javier Vazquez
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