Red Sox playoff starters Lester, Beckett, Buchholz

Oct 4, 2009 - 9:35 PM BOSTON(AP) -- The Red Sox have set their rotation for the first three games of the playoffs.

Jon Lester will start the opener against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday or Thursday, followed by Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz.

If the series goes to a fourth and fifth game, Lester could be available to pitch on short rest and Beckett would be on his regular rest for the finale.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona made the announcement after Sunday's 12-7 victory over the Cleveland Indians in the regular-season finale.

Left out, for now: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Paul Byrd.