FORT MYERS, Fla. — Josh Beckett has suffered a thumb injury and is headed to San Antonio to get it examined.
In a news conference Monday, Alfredo Aceves revealed that Bobby Valentine instructed him to prepare to spot start for Beckett in the second game of the season and the home opener in Boston. But that’s just a precaution since Valentine expects Beckett to make his scheduled start on Saturday in Detroit.
“[Beckett] said he’s going to look at it,” Valentine said. “Just for peace of mind. As in all cases you have to be prepared and I think we are. I think we’re covered with whatever happens.”
Beckett tossed a controlled bullpen session on Sunday and pitching coach Bob McClure said a short side session was next on his agenda. But the hurler unleashed 100 pitches in his session, which gave Valentine reason to be optimistic.
The injury occured roughly 10 days ago, but Beckett has played without issue since then. Asked if he expected Beckett to be prepared to throw against Detroit, Valentine said “totally.”
But Aceves didn’t know when and how Beckett suffered the setback.
“[Valentine] said Josh Beckett had an injury with his thumb. If he doesn’t start the second game, I will start the second game and the first game at home,” Aceves said. “That’s what he said and then [Valentine] said ‘For now, you will be in the bullpen.'”
For the second straight day, a thumb injury has plagued the Red Sox. Closer Andrew Bailey is en route to Boston to get his thumb checked out and could start the season on the disabled list.
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