Red Sox scratch Dice-K, Ortiz because of persistent rain

BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox scratched Daisuke Matsuzaka from Friday night's scheduled start against the New York Yankees after the game was repeatedly delayed by rain.

Slugger David Ortiz was also scratched from the lineup. With Mike Lowell returning from an injury as the designated hitter, Ortiz had been scheduled to play first base for the first time this season.

Right-hander David Pauley was announced as the replacement for Matsuzaka, but persistent rain left the outing in doubt.