While Franklin Morales will take Beckett’s spot in the rotation on Sunday, Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine indicated that there’s still a chance for Beckett to pitch sometime next week.
“I don’t think Monday, I don’t know about Tuesday,” Valentine said. “He might miss a whole start or we might slot him in. We’re trying to see how everyone else fits with Josh’s recovery, but he hasn’t thrown a ball yet, so it’s hard, it’s kind of silly to say when he’ll pitch in a game.”
Despite still suffering back stiffness, Beckett is “feeling much better,” according to Valentine. Although Beckett opted against attempting to throw on Friday, the 32-year-old managed to sneak in a workout session.
If he continues to progress properly, Beckett could wind up avoiding a stint on the disabled list.
“That, too, is kind of nebulous,” Valentine said, when asked about placing Beckett on the DL. “But it seems unlikely.”
Beckett already spent a brief stretch on the DL toward the end of June and into July, when he was sidelined with shoulder inflammation. Through 18 starts this season, Beckett has posted a 5-9 record with a 4.54 ERA.
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