Red Sox activate RHP Wakefield

Aug 26, 2008 - 9:12 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox on Tuesday activated righthander Tim Wakefield from the 15-day disabled list to start the opener of a three-game series against the New York Yankees.

The 42-year-old Wakefield, who is 7-8 with a 3.67 ERA this season, will face Andy Pettitte in his first start since August 6. He had been sidelined with tightness behind his right shoulder.

The veteran knuckleballer takes the spot of Josh Beckett, whose scheduled started was pushed due to numbness in his right arm. Beckett threw 50 pitches in a side session Tuesday and is now expected to make his next start Friday against the Chicago White Sox.

Wakefield pronounced himself ready to return after throwing a bullpen session over the weekend. He has a lifetime record of 9-17 with a 5.14 ERA against the Yankees.

Boston, which has a five-game lead over New York in the wild card race, is making its final regular-season appearance at Yankee Stadium. Next season, the Yankees, whose run of 13 straight playoff appearances is in severe jeopardy, move into a new stadium across the street.

Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, currently on the DL with a strained right oblique, is expected to hit off a tee Wednesday.