Matsuzaka scratched from start

Apr 23, 2008 - 9:51 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Boston Red Sox righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka has been scratched from Wednesday's scheduled start against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim due to the flu.

Lefthander Jon Lester will replace Matsuzaka on the mound for the Red Sox, who are seeking their seventh straight victory.

This is the second straight game in which the Red Sox have had to make a last-minute change on the mound. On Tuesday, ace Josh Beckett was scratched due to a stiff neck.

David Pauley, who was recalled earlier in the day from Class AAA Pawtucket, made just his fourth major league start Tuesday and allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Pauley left with the Red Sox trailing 5-1 but he did not get the decision as Boston rallied for a 7-6 victory.

Lester is 1-1 with a 4.37 ERA in four starts this season. He last pitched on Saturday, allowing three runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings. He also did not get a decision as the Red Sox erased a 3-2 deficit with three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.