Boston Red Sox star pitcher Jon Lester has been scratched from Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Many sources have speculated that the three-time all-star will be traded before Thursday’s non-waiver deadline and Lester was expected to start Wednesday’s contest.
Lester has two World Series rings and has spent the entirety of his career with the Red Sox organization. Boston selected Lester 57th overall in the 2002 draft.
The 30-year-old has posted a 10-7 record in 2014, with a 2.52 ERA and 149 strikeouts, and stands to become a free agent after the season ends.
In 2006, Lester was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ending his stellar rookie campaign with a 7-2 record and 60 strikeouts.
However, on June 23, 2007, Lester made a triumphant return to the Red Sox, recording a 6-2 win and allowing just two earned runs.
The 2007 Red Sox would go on to win their first World Series since 2004, and Lester picked up the win in the decisive Game 4.
Lester is currently the second-longest tenured player on the Red Sox, behind 2013 World Series MVP David Ortiz.