Manager Terry Francona #42 of the Boston Red Sox walks off of the field after a pitching change against the Tampa Bay Rays in game five of the American League Championship Series during the 2008 MLB playoffs at Fenway Park on October 16, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Boston Red Sox skipper Terry Francona has decided upon his rotation to the start this season. This is how it shapes up.

  1. Josh Beckett
  2. Jon Lester
  3. Daisuke Matsuzaka
  4. Tim Wakefield
  5. TBA

The 5th spot in the rotation will most likely be Brad Penny. Francona is waiting to see how Penny feels before the first game the Red Sox need a 5th starter which would be on April 12th.

This means that Clay Buchholz, despite his 0.46 spring ERA, will most likely start the season in Pawtucket unless he’s needed for the April 12th game.

Oh, by the way, Justin Masterson finally knows his role this season. He will be pitching out of the bullpen.

The Sox set their rotation [Extra Bases]