Josh Beckett took the hill on Thursday against an unfamiliar foe.
The team's right-handed ace, in his recovery from a back/lat injury, threw 41 pitches over two simulated innings against players from the independent league Brockton Rox, according to the Boston Globe.
Clay Buchholz took the hill as well on Thursday. It was the first time he threw off the mound since injuring his left hamstring during the Red Sox' game in San Francisco Saturday. The righty showed no ill effects and will likely partake in a full side session Friday or Saturday. If all goes well over the weekend, he could be ready to start against the Rays on Monday in Tampa Bay.
