It is just a visit to make sure, right? The mentioning of Josh Beckett and Dr. James Andrews in the same sentence is frightening. Usually the name that follows Dr. Andrews is "Tommy John."

But the Red Sox say Beckett's visit today is simply to give Beckett peace of mind (what did Terry Francona call it, getting "closure" on the episode?).

Beckett seems content after his continued phone conversations with Dr. Andrews. Read the insightful story by Rob Bradford on weei.com.

With Beckett not starting tonight against the White Sox (big series, with possible wildcard ramifications), Daisuke Matsuzaka steps in, still on regular rest because of the day off this week.

David Pauley is expected to get the start Saturday. Pauley's only other major league start this season came in April (filling in for a sick Beckett). Pauley allowed 7 hits and 5 runs over 4 2/3 innings. Pauley is known as a gamer, someone who will give up hits but keep his team in the game. He was 14-4 in Pawtucket, with a 3.55 ERA.

Not much to report in the minors. Only four teams played and all lost, with few standouts.

Lowell's Bryan Price had given up 1 H and 1 R through 3 innings, but then allowed 3 singles and a double in the fourth, giving up 3 more runs ... Casey Kelly went 1-for-3 with a double. he is now at .375 (3-for-8, 3 doubles) since his promotion ... Wilfredo Pichardo, he of the .297 average and 42 steals in the Gulf Coast League, has been promoted to Lowell.

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