Major League Baseball

Knee pain sidelines Beckett in ASG

Published Jul. 12, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Even during the All-Star Game, Boston Red Sox fans couldn’t ignore their team’s growing list of pitching woes.

Red Sox ace Josh Beckett attempted to warm up early in Tuesday’s game but was unable to pitch because of soreness in his left knee. Instead, Yankees right-hander David Robertson entered the game in relief of starter Jered Weaver.

Beckett was removed from his final start before the All-Star break because of a mild hyperextension of the same left knee. He is 8-3 with a 2.27 ERA in 17 starts this year.

If Beckett’s injury proves serious, the Red Sox could have a full-blown pitching crisis on their hands. Key starters Jon Lester, an All-Star this year, and Clay Buchholz, an All-Star last year, are already on the disabled list.
Boston entered the All-Star break with a one-game lead in the American League East and the AL’s best record.