According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, Josh Beckett has been scratched from tonight’s start against the San Diego Padres due to illness. Terry Francona described his illness as “intestinal turmoil,” which quite frankly is a little too descriptive for my tastes. Simply calling it the flu would’ve been sufficient. This flu-like bug seems to be making it’s way around the clubhouse as Kevin Youkilis was pulled from Friday’s game in the fifth inning due to the same affliction.
Starting in Beckett’s place will be Alfredo Aceves. During his three starts with Boston this year, Aceves has received mixed reviews. Still, he’s shown flashes of being an effective starting pitcher, and was the obvious choice to be tonight’s spot starter. Aceves last pitched on Thursday night against the Rays where he worked 1-2/3 innings of relief, throwing 32 pitches. With four days of rest, he should have no problem pitching into the sixth inning, provided he avoids issues with his command.
In 18 games (3 starts), Aceves has gone 3-1 with a 3.30 ERA/4.49 FIP and a 24/16 K/BB ratio in 43-2/3 innings.