ESPN is reporting that Josh Beckett will not make the trip to Japan for the opening series against the Oakland A’s. Terry Francona told ESPN the following : “we’re certainly not going to rush him back to pitch a game March 24 if he’s not ready. And I think if you look at it with common sense, he’s not going to pitch over there.” Dice-K may also miss the trip since his wife is due to give birth. Since Schilling is also injured, Jon Lester or Tim Wakefield may be the opening day starter.