ST. PETERSBURG – If the Red Sox had taken a lead in Game 7 of the ALCS on Sunday night, All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon wasn’t coming out of the bullpen.

According to Daisuke Matsuzaka, manager Terry Francona informed him that Matsuzaka was going to be the closer because Papelbon’s right shoulder was barking.

Papelbon posted a save in Game 6 on Saturday night and worked two innings in Game 5 Thursday night, when Matsuzaka started but didn’t get out of the fifth inning.

Since the Rays won 3-1 and advanced to the World Series against the Phillies, Papelbon’s shoulder issue was kept a secret.