Josh Beckett Looks to Continue Success, Prove He’s Healthy in First Start of Second Half Against Rays

Josh Beckett has been a stabilizing force in the Red Sox rotation this season, compiling the second lowest ERA in the American League at 2.27. On Sunday, he'll look to keep his sensational campaign going, and also prove that he's at 100 percent, when he takes the mound for the team's series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The only starter with a better earned run average in the AL this season is the Angels' Jered Weaver, who started this year's All-Star Game for the AL squad.

During that game, Beckett tweaked his knee while warming up in the bullpen, which kept him from pitching for the AL. Following the game, though, Beckett said that he could have pitched, but that he didn't want to go out and injure himself in an All-Star Game and risk missing starts in the second half.

He'll look to show everyone that the hyperextended knee that kept him out of the All-Star Game, and also led to him getting taken out of his last start after five innings, won't be an issue moving forward.

Beckett will go up against Rays starter Jeff Niemann, who enters with a 4-4 record and a 4.53 ERA. Niemann is 2-2 with a 6.62 ERA in four career starts against the Sox.

Beckett, meanwhile, enters Sunday's matchup with an 8-4 record and a 3.15 ERA in 17 career starts against Tampa Bay.

Jason Varitek will be Beckett's battery mate on Sunday, marking his first appearance of the second half. He'll bat eighth.

Here is a complete look at Sunday's lineups, with first pitch at Tropicana Field scheduled for 8:05 p.m.

Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
David Ortiz, DH
J.D. Drew, RF
Josh Reddick, LF
Jason Varitek, C
Marco Scutaro, SS

Rays
Johnny Damon, DH
Ben Zobrist, 2B
Casey Kotchman, 1B
Evan Longoria, 3B
Matt Joyce, RF
B.J. Upton, CF
Jose Lobaton, C
Sam Fuld, LF
Reid Brignac, SS