Report: Beckett Could Miss Start, Aceves Told To Be Ready
BOSTON (CBS) - Alfredo Aceves was not named one of the Red Sox' final two starting pitchers on Sunday, but he may still get a crack at the rotation.
The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman is reporting manager Bobby Valentine told Aceves to be ready for the team's second game of the season, Saturday in Detroit, as scheduled starter Josh Beckett is nursing a right thumb injury.
The team confirmed Monday morning that Beckett has a thumb issue, and is heading to see a doctor in San Antonio. After his exam, he will then head to Detroit to join the team.
A team source told WBZ-TV's Dan Roche that Beckett has had thumb soreness throughout the spring but he has pitched through it. Beckett is just getting it checked one last time before the season starts, the source told Roche, and is expected to pitch come Saturday.
On Sunday, Valentine named Daniel Bard and Felix Doubront his final two starters, with Aceves landing back in the bullpen.
Aceves went 10-2 with a 2.61 ERA for Boston in 2011, making four starts and 51 appearances out of the bullpen.
New Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey is also dealing with a thumb injury, and has returned to Boston to get it checked out. If Aceves needs to start against the Tigers, that would leave Mark Melancon the likely candidate to close in Bailey's absence.
