Report: Red Sox likely to scratch Lester from Wednesday's start as trade talks persist

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The Boston Red Sox appear increasingly likely to part ways with incumbent ace Jon Lester in advance of Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline, as the club is poised to scratch the 30-year-old from Wednesday's scheduled outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi.

Extension talks between the Red Sox and Lester have proven fruitless thus far, prompting the club to explore the trade market. According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox "are collecting offers and seem intent on trading on Lester," who owns a career-best 2.52 ERA this season and will become a free agent at year's end.

Lester even acknowledged Tuesday how "uncertain" professional baseball can be, a comment that suggest the two-time All-Star's tenure in Boston could be over shortly.