NEW YORK -- Josh Beckett, who has not pitched since Aug. 17 because of numbness in his fingers that have sparked fears of an elbow problem, will not pitch Friday night.

While the Red Sox say Beckett is not feeling the tingling again, he is not feeling 100 percent physically and will be examined Friday by Dr. James Edwards, the noted sports orthopedic surgeon.

"I think the best word to use is closure," said manager Terry Francona. "He's just not feeling 100 percent. I don't think we're any more pessimistic than we were, but when he goes out there [again] we want him to be able to pitch with peace of mind."

Daisuke Matsuzaka will pitch Friday night against the White Sox in his place, and David Pauley will start in place of Matsuzaka on Saturday.

Beckett is going to be examined Friday by Dr. James Edwards, the noted sports orthopedic surgeon.