Red Sox push back Beckett's playoff start

The Boston Red Sox have pushed back pitcher Josh Beckett's start in the first round of the American League playoffs, the team announced Sunday.

Beckett, who injured his side throwing during a bullpen session, will now take to the mound in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Angels.

That means manager Terry Francona will start Jon Lester in the opening game at Los Angeles on Wednesday, then use Daisuke Matzusaka Friday night for Game 2.

Beckett is scheduled to start next Sunday's contest at Fenway Park.

"He has to be able to go out there and execute his pitches," Francona said, "but I think he's going to be OK."

Francona announced after Sunday night's regular-season finale against the New York Yankees that Beckett strained his oblique muscle on the 40th pitch of a side session Friday in the rain.

"I don't think it's frustrating," Francona said. "Things happen and you deal with them and if you deal with them well enough, you handle it. If you don't, you go home."

Beckett helped lead the Red Sox to the 2007 World Series, going 4-0 in the post-season. The right-hander is 6-2 with a 1.73 ERA in 10 career playoff games.

Beckett struggled this season to a 12-10 mark with a 4.03 ERA.

He surrendered only one run on two hits in six innings in his last start, a 6-1 victory over Cleveland on Thursday night.