BOSTON — Boston Red Sox Manager Terry Francona said pitcher Josh Beckett probably will miss Friday’s start against the Detroit Tigers because back spasms kept him from making his usual off-day workout.

Francona said Beckett was checked out Tuesday morning by doctors after experiencing tightening in his lower back and side. He said Beckett just needs to rest.

Beckett already had been pushed back from today to Friday because of the injury.

Tim Wakefield will pitch today against the Toronto Blue Jays, and there’s an off-day on Thursday that will allow the rotation to get back in order.

 

MIKE CAMERON, who is recovering from an a lower abdominal strain, went 1 for 3 in his second rehabilitation game for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox at home against the Gwinnett Braves.

Cameron batted in the leadoff position and played center field, easily handling two routine fly balls.

Perhaps the best indication Cameron has recovered came in the second inning when, after walking on four pitches, he ran from first base to third on Josh Reddick’s single.

Cameron lined a 1-2 pitch from right-hander Jason Parr to center in the first.

After advancing to second on a passed ball, Cameron tagged up and moved to third on a fly to center.

Cameron, who was limited to four plate appearances, struck out swinging in the fourth inning and popped out to second in the seventh.