BOSTON -- Red Sox manager John Farrell revealed before Sunday afternoon’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks that Steven Wright will be starting Tuesday against the Houston Astros.

“Just trying to give guys an extra day of rest this time through,” Farrell said.

The 28-year-old Wright will be making his first career start. In three relief appearances this year, the knuckleballer has allowed five runs in 12 1/3 innings, most recently throwing three shutout innings and getting the win in the Red Sox’s improbable six-run ninth-inning comeback against the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 1.

Farrell spoke about the improvements Wright has made this season.

“Just more consistent strike throwing,” Farrell said. “To me in some ways he looks like a completely different pitcher from that night that he followed [Alfredo] Aceves, that rain night against Oakland here, to what he’s been doing the last two outings. It’s a much improved Steven Wright.” Wright allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings in the game Farrell referenced.

John Lackey will take his normal spot in the rotation Monday, with Ryan Dempster being pushed back to Wednesday.