NEW YORK — Josh Beckett was scratched again from a scheduled start, and the Red Sox ace plans to have his ailing right elbow examined today in Alabama by Dr. James Andrews.
“We’re no more pessimistic about him today than we were,” manager Terry Francona said, “but when he goes out there (again), we want him to be able to pitch with peace of mind.”
Beckett hasn’t pitched since Aug. 17, when he reported numbness and tingling in his right arm. He missed a turn in the rotation, but had been slated to start tonight against the White Sox at Fenway Park. Daisuke Matsuzaka will get the ball instead on his regular four days of rest.
Chamberlain hopes to return next week
NEW YORK — Pitcher Joba Chamberlain said he thinks he could return to the Yankees next week, and he expects to be used out of the bullpen.
On the disabled list with rotator cuff tendinitis, Chamberlain threw 45 pitches off a mound Thursday and said his arm felt good. His next step will be facing batters in a simulated game Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
Footnotes.
Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick went on the 15-day DL because of a strained left hamstring.
• Braves right-handed reliever Rafael Soriano had elbow surgery and is expected to be ready by spring training next season.
• The Athletics activated outfielder Ryan Sweeney, who had been out with a sprained right thumb since Aug. 13. Denver Post wire services
