Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett missed his scheduled start on Monday night because of back spasms. Beckett called Boston manager Terry Francona on Sunday night after the club returned from New York and told him his back was tight. With the postseason in mind, the team gave Beckett's start to Michael Bowden as a precaution. "It's his upper left side, which is good," Francona said. "This time of year guys feel it a lot. It wasn't a real difficult decision and [Beckett] kind of agreed. He could have pitched." Beckett is expected to pitch next on Saturday against the Indians.