Beckett's suspension cut one game

Boston Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett's suspension was reduced from six games to five Sunday, allowing him to take his next turn in the rotation.

Beckett threw a pitch near the head of the Los Angeles Angels' Bobby Abreu on April 12, leading to both dugouts and bullpens emptying. Major League Baseball suspended him Tuesday, and he appealed the ruling.

With the Red Sox off Thursday, the new penalty allows Beckett to switch spots with left-hander Jon Lester. Lester will start the opener of a three-game series Friday against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park, and Beckett will pitch Saturday.

''We didn't actually have a hearing because everybody has to answer to …