Wakefield waiting to see if shot works

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BOSTON -- Boston Red Sox right-hander Tim Wakefield expects to get a cortisone shot Monday after his next scheduled start was scratched because his balky back acted up again.

Wakefield

The 43-year-old knuckleballer spent 5 1/2 weeks on the disabled list with back problems after the All-Star break. He returned Wednesday and pitched seven innings, allowing one run and six hits in Boston's 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.

"We'll go from there and see if [the shot] takes and, if so, I'll be pitching in a week or so," Wakefield said Sunday morning before a game against Toronto.

Wakefield, a first-time All-Star, is 11-3 with a 4.12 ERA. He went on the disabled list July 18 and returned with his strong outing against the White Sox.

Manager Terry Francona said before the game that he hadn't had a chance to see Wakefield and that he'll get "looked at" Monday.

The team said Saturday that Jon Lester was pushed back to take Wakefield's turn in the rotation and will open the series against Tampa Bay.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

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