BOSTON - Josh Beckett, who missed his scheduled start on Tuesday night because of a stiff neck, was able to throw a bullpen session this morning. That puts him in line to be able to make his next scheduled start, which will be on the road Sunday against Tampa Bay

Daisuke Matsuzaka, who missed his scheduled start on Wednesday night, is being examined this morning by Red Sox doctors to determine how contagious he is.

The likely plan is for Matsuzaka to remain in Boston while the Red Sox spend the weekend on the road, playing the Rays. Manager Terry Francona said he didn't see any sense in taking Dice-K along on the trip given the severity of his illness.

If the right-hander feels strong enough while Boston is on the road, the Red Sox will make whatever arrangements are necessary to make sure Matsuzaka can throw in Fenway Park. His next scheduled start would be Tuesday at home against Toronto, but there's no guarantee he'll be healthy enough to pitch that night.