That is what’s made his current 53-day hiatus so difficult, and what makes Sunday’s start for Triple-A Pawtucket so exciting.
The big right-hander walked off the wet mound inside Yankee Stadium on May 18 and hasn’t returned to the starting rotation since. What was initially deemed back soreness was diagnosed a lower back strain, which prevents Beckett from completing his entire throwing motion without pain. After being placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 19, Beckett began rehabbing the injury. And then he began the long and arduous climb back to his place as starter.
As the Red Sox put together an 18-9 month of June, Beckett was forced to play long toss while pitching coach John Farrell supervised. As Boston’s roster was decimated by more injuries in San Francisco, Beckett was pleased to have gotten through a 70-pitch bullpen session and simulated game. The righty finally returned to Fenway on July 2 — to throw a 41-pitch, two-inning evaluation to live batters.
It’s one day at a time for Beckett, who threw a bullpen session on Friday and “felt fine,” which is music to the Red Sox’ ears. Now that he’s completed the simulations, he finally gets a crack at the real thing again. It’s not the real real thing, but manager Terry Francona has noticed a positive change in his ace’s once dour demeanor.
“When he’s had problems pitching, there’s times where he’s been sort of on the borderline,” Francona told MLB.com. “When he goes out there and knows that he’s OK, I can see a difference in his delivery.”
Beckett’s injury, confidence and, most importantly, pitches will be tested on Sunday against Syracuse. The end goal of returning to the Red Sox starting rotation is in sight, but it starts with a successful showing in Pawtucket.
If all goes according to plan, Beckett is one step closer to returning to his normal five-day life.
