Visiting for maybe the last time, it’s probably fitting the Red Sox dropped a 3-2 decision featuring close calls, an inability to put the Yankees away and, of course, a ninth inning comeback against the Sox’ best pitcher. The news was made doubly worse after the game when the Red Sox revealed that ace Josh Beckett will miss tonight’s start against the White Sox to fly to Alabama and visit with renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews to get a second opinion on his ailing elbow.
Though the Yankees’ postseason chances remain very much on life support - just a day earlier, left-hander Andy Pettitte said it would take a “miracle” to get in - the Yanks refused to go away yesterday. They trailed 2-0 in the seventh before Jason Giambi blasted a game-tying two-run homer off Hideki Okajima that manager Terry Francona and catcher Jason Varitek both very rightfully described as “crushed.” Giambi was then the hero two innings later when he lined an 0-2 fastball from Jonathan Papelbon to center with the bases loaded, scoring Brett Gardner with the walkoff winning run.
The Sox still took two out of three for the third straight road series, though that was hardly any consolation. The loss negated an outstanding performance by left-hander Jon Lester, who shook off the worst start of his career in Toronto by shutting down the Yankees on five hits over six-plus innings before his bullpen let him down. Lester looked every bit like the ace the Sox will need if Beckett is sidelined or less than 100 percent for the playoffs. Epstein stressed that Beckett’s visit to Andrews was purely precautionary, but it goes without saying that anytime a pitcher’s elbow is bothering him to the point of seeking a second opinion, it’s a concern. Daisuke Matsuzaka will start on regular rest against Chicago tonight in Beckett’s spot, with recent call-up David Pauley expected to get the nod tomorrow.
Nation Notes: Not only will Josh Beckett see Dr. James Andrews, but Sean Casey and J.D. Drew also will visit doctors today. Casey, who has had a stiff neck since hurting it Aug. 21 on the day off between trips to Baltimore and Toronto, will undergo an MRI to determine if the injury is more serious. Drew returned to Boston yesterday after being put on the DL Tuesday. J.D. has been suffering from spasms since injuring his back on August 17.
