BOSTON, May 18 (UPI) -- Boston pitcher Josh Beckett Friday was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an injury to his right middle finger.
He was scheduled to start Friday's game against Atlanta and the injury caused him to leave his previous start against Baltimore last Sunday.
An earlier diagnosis said the injury was a nail infection, but the hard-throwing right-hander suffered a torn flap of skin.
To date, Beckett is 7-0 with a 2.66 ERA in eight starts.
He has walked only 12 batters and struck out 47 in 50 2/3 innings.
Beckett was looking to join Babe Ruth as one of four Boston pitchers to win their first eight starts of a season.
It is the 10th time he has gone to the DL and seventh because of injuries to the same finger.
He is eligible to return May 29.
Boston has recalled Devern Hansack from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace Beckett on the 25-man roster.
