Avery to Start Saturday for Red Sox

Boston Red Sox left-hander Steve Avery, who has been sidelined for two months because of a groin injury, will start Saturday against the Chicago White Sox.

Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield has already been moved to the bullpen to create room in the starting rotation.

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A storm that spawned tornadoes north of Detroit brought heavy rain and severe winds to Tiger Stadium, blowing large sections of tar paper from the left-field roof on to the field less than an hour after Detroit’s 9-7 victory over the New York Mets had ended. . . . Red Sox outfielder Wilfredo Cordero met with counselors in New York even as negotiations that would allow him to return to the team faltered. Sources on both sides of the negotiations, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that Red Sox CEO John Harrington had balked at an agreement that would force the team to play or trade Cordero after the All-Star break, if doctors gave him the OK.

All-star left-hander Randy Johnson is wondering aloud whether the Seattle Mariners want him back next season since they haven’t picked up his $6-million option. . . . Bernie Williams, on the disabled list because of a strained left hamstring since June 16, was activated by the Yankees.