The Red Sox have made a surprising last-minute pitching change, with Michael Bowden getting the start in place of Josh Beckett tonight against the Blue Jays.

The Globe's Tony Massarotti reports that the cause is mild back spasms.

Beckett, who is 16-6 with a 3.78 ERA, was scratched from what would have been his 32d start of the season.

We should have more after manager Terry Francona's meeting with the media, so stay tuned . . .