Lester Scratched Before Wednesday Start Amid Trade Rumors
BOSTON (CBSMiami/AP) A year after bolstering their rotation at the trade deadline, it looks as if the Boston Red Sox are exploring the market again.
This time, they are likely sellers.
After a 4-2 loss to Toronto on Tuesday night, manager John Farrell announced a move indicating the Red Sox are seriously considering offers for ace Jon Lester before Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline.
Lester will sit out his scheduled start against the Blue Jays on Wednesday.
"In light of all the uncertainty surrounding Jon Lester, it's probably in everyone's best interest that he does not make that start," Farrell said.
Although no deal was imminent, a trade sending Lester (10-7, 2.52 ERA) to a contender seemed much more likely after Farrell's announcement. And it did nothing to lift the spirits in Boston's clubhouse after the Red Sox lost for the seventh time in eight games.
"Obviously we're not in the position that we want to be in. We haven't played very well and our record shows that. That's why you hear all those rumors," Dustin Pedroia said. "It's something you don't like going through. It makes you feel worse. We don't want to be in this position."
As of Tuesday night there are several teams who have interest in acquiring Lester. The Blue Jays, Mariners, Brewers, Dodgers, Cardinals, Orioles and Marlins are all possible destinations for the veteran lefty, according to ESPN.
With Lester's future in limbo, Farrell said RHP Brandon Workman would be recalled from Triple-A Pawtuckett and get the start on Wednesday.
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