By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

The Red Sox, as expected, have scratched Josh Beckett from his start against the Twins on Sunday because of a lower back injury. Franklin Morales will start in his place.

"Josh feels much better today," Bobby Valentine said. "But he is not going to throw. So he will not pitch on Sunday. But it looks like he's feeling better."

Beckett worked out today. But he has yet to throw since coming out of the game on Tuesday after a back spasm.

"I don't think Monday," Valentine said. "I don't know about Tuesday. He might miss a whole [turn through the rotation] or we might slot him in. We're trying to see how everybody else fits with Josh's recovery. He hasn't thrown a ball yet, it's kind of silly to say when he'll pitch in a game."

Valentine said it was "kind of nebulous" whether Beckett would go on the DL but that it seemed unlikely.

Also:

• Andrew Bailey threw a scoreless inning in the Gulf Coast League. He allowed a hit and a walk and struck out two. He will next pitch for Portland on Sunday.

• David Ortiz is back on the field this afternoon taking BP and presumably will do some running drills.

• Daisuke Matsuzaka will make another rehab start for Pawtucket on Sunday.