Tim Wakefield : September 7th, 2008, 1:20 am est

News: Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield's knuckeball was fluttering out of the strike zone during the short time he pitched, an unmemorable performance in a milestone appearance. The Boston right-hander allowed seven runs in a span of 1 2/3 innings in his 500th game for the Red Sox, a 15-8 loss at Texas on Saturday night that kept them from gaining ground in the AL East race. 'It was one of those days I'd like to forget,' Wakefield said. 'I felt physically great, mentally great. The inning just unfolded so fast.' Wakefield allowed four hits and four walks, suffering his 10th defeat.

Analysis: Wakefield had allowed no more than three earned runs over his last four starts, posting a 2.70 ERA during that stretch. He has had a better season than his 8-10 record would indicate, but some days he just doesn't have his knuckleball working. And when he doesn't, he's dead. Continue to think of him as a decent back-end option in mixed leagues. His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Blue Jays