SEATTLE – Tim Wakefield is heading to Boston’s bullpen when two-time All-Star Josh Beckett returns from the disabled list tonight to make his first start since mid-May.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said dryly before Thursday night’s series opener that “I don’t think he wanted to hug me” after telling the 43-year-old knuckleballer he was going to be a reliever again.

Francona says it’s what’s best for the struggling team. Boston began Thursday 2-5 since the All-Star break and seven games out in the A.L. East.

Wakefield was selected for the All-Star team last season for the first time but is 3-8 with a 5.58 ERA this season. He was unable to hold onto a 4-0 lead in Tuesday’s loss at Oakland. He allowed three earned runs in six innings.