Joe Nelson called up, Beckett to DL

Boston has recalled reliever Joe Nelson from Triple-A Pawtucket to bolster the team's bullpen after it had been heavily used the past few games. Josh Beckett has been placed on the 15-day disabled list as the counter-move.

Nelson, 35, pitched very well in his time with the PawSox, putting up an ERA of 2.49 with 21 stirkeouts in 21.2 innings. The right-hander was one of the candidates for the last bullpen spots going into the season, but was beat out by Scott Atchison in the final days of spring training. Over his career he has posted an ERA of 4.07 and a WHIP of 1.39 in 149 major league appearances.

Beckett came out of the game early against the New York Yankees Tuesday night after apparently aggravating a back injury that originally occurred while taking swings in the batting cage preparing for inter-league play. He has had a down season so far, going 1-1 with an ERA of 7.29 in 8 starts. Tim Wakefield is expected to take his place in the starting rotation.

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