CHICAGO -- Josh Beckett has been scratched from his start on Sunday against the Cubs with what manager Bobby Valentine called "a little inflammation in his right shoulder." Franklin Morales will make the start in his place.
Beckett is 4-7 with a 4.14 ERA in 12 starts this season. He's pitched at least seven innings in each of his last six starts. The Sox will not put Beckett on the disabled list "for now," Valentine said.
"The training room thinks that it’s best that he’s rested a little," said Valentine. "He didn’t feel it during a side, just in the training room, when they test him, they felt he’s not quite recovering on a five-day rotation right now. ... He'll be pitching again, that's for sure."
Valentine said it was possible that Beckett will be sent for further testing. In the past, the right-hander has consulted with Dr. James Andrews in Alabama when he has faced shoulder concerns.
Morales has a 3.04 ERA in 22 appearances, all in relief and has struck out 20 betters in 23 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. It will be his first start since April 21, 2009, when he was with the Rockies.
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