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Sox Shelve Wakefield for Series

41-year-old ends 17-win season due to nagging shoulder injury

By Jesse Andrews,  Newser User

Posted Oct 23, 2007 11:06 PM CDT
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(Newser) – With the Red Sox on the brink of the World Series, knuckleballer Tim Wakefield has decided to shut it down due to worsening inflammation behind his right shoulder. Wakefield was shelled in his only playoff start, Game 4 against Cleveland, allowing five runs, and doctors warned that he might suffer permanent damage to his shoulder if he kept pitching. Rookie Jon Lester is likely to take his starting spot.

The pitcher reasoned that he shouldn't occupy a roster spot if there was a chance he couldn't pitch. Added the 41-year-old, "I don't think it's fair to me, lastly, that I go out and injure myself and I'm not available for next year or the year after that." Relief pitcher Kyle Snyder was added to the Sox 25-man roster for the Series to replace Wakefield.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield throws in the outfield before Game 7 of the American League Championship baseball series against the Cleveland Indians Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield throws in the outfield before Game 7 of the American League Championship baseball series against the Cleveland Indians Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston....   (Associated Press)
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield is removed from Game 4 of the American League Championship baseball series against the Cleveland Indians by manager Terry Francona in the fifth inning, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield is removed from Game 4 of the American League Championship baseball series against the Cleveland Indians by manager Terry Francona in the fifth inning, Tuesday, Oct....   (Associated Press)
Fans wave goodbye to Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield (49) as he exits Game 4 of the American League Championship baseball series against the Cleveland Indians in the fifth inning Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
Fans wave goodbye to Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield (49) as he exits Game 4 of the American League Championship baseball series against the Cleveland Indians in the fifth inning Tuesday, Oct. 16,...   (Associated Press)
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Red Sox Leave Wakefield Off WS Roster
Associated Press

Wakefield Out of Series; More Heat on Schilling
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MLB • Boston Red Sox • Curt Schilling • Colorado Rockies • Tim Wakefield • 2007 World Series

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