Wakefield left off the Red Sox roster

[bigboydan]

This Red Sox pitching staff is really in rough shape enough, and now they leave Wakefield off the roster. I understand it's always a good idea to have everyone healthy and all, but come on! This is the playoffs and everyone plays even if there a little dinged up.

BOSTON (AP) -- Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield has been left off Boston's playoff roster for its first-round series against the Los Angeles Angels because of his ailing back.

Manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that the goal was to get Wakefield healthy enough for later in the playoffs, should the Red Sox advance.

Wakefield (17-12) threw Tuesday, but did not feel good.

The Red Sox instead will carry a third catcher, Kevin Cash, who played 12 games this season after being called up in mid-August. Francona said the move would give the Red Sox more flexibility to make substitutions.

[rjt721]

With the day off between each game in the series, Boston's anticipating their starters' pitching deep in every game and there will be plenty of rest for Papelbon and Okajima, so it's unlikely Wake would've had a significant roll, if any, in this series. Not a big deal at all, especially considering the way he's pitched of late.

[Doc JS]

With the day off between each game in the series, Boston's anticipating their starters' pitching deep in every game and there will be plenty of rest for Papelbon and Okajima, so it's unlikely Wake would've had a significant roll, if any, in this series. Not a big deal at all, especially considering the way he's pitched of late.

rjt,
That's the way I read it, as well.

I fully expect Wakefield to be on the ALCS roster if the BoSox get that far.

[tacomax]

Since they're going to sweep the Angels, there's no need for Wakefield in that series.

[The HG]

Since they're going to sweep the Angels, there's no need for Wakefield in that series.

Angels in ... 4? 5? Ok I'll go with 5.