Boston's Beckett to miss next start

BOSTON, May 16 (UPI) -- Boston pitcher Josh Beckett will miss his next scheduled start Friday against Atlanta because of an injured right middle finger.

The team noted on its Web site that the hard-throwing right-hander suffered a nail infection during his start against Baltimore last Sunday.

Before it occurred, Beckett, who is 7-0 so far this season, had given up two earned runs and two hits in four innings with two walks and seven strikeouts.

He has walked only 12 batters this season and struck out 47 in 50 2/3 innings with an ERA of 2.66.

Detroit Manager Jim Leyland has said Beckett would be his American League starter if the All-Star Game were played this week.

"He's doing very well," said Boston Manager Terry Francona. "Missing him for a start isn't a lot of fun (but) you start multiplying that, we don't really want that to happen. I think being cautious is the right thing to do."