Red Sox scratch Lester from Wednesday's start amid trade speculation
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The Boston Red Sox announced that Jon Lester will be scratched from his start on Wednesday, amid rampant speculation that he will be traded by Thursday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver trade deadline.
Farrell: Brandon Workman will start tomorrow.
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) July 30, 2014
Lester has been increasingly mentioned in trade talks over the past week, culminating in manager John Farrell stating after Tuesday night's game that it's "probably in everyone's best interest" that Lester skip Wednesday's start.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals are all reportedly "in the mix" to acquire the left-handed starter before Thursday afternoon's trade deadline.
Brandon Workman will start in Lester's place against the Toronto Blue Jays. Workman holds a 4.13 ERA over 52 1/3 innings this season. The 25-year-old has made eight starts and 11 appearances for the Red Sox.