BOSTON — Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett is set to rejoin Boston’s rotation Friday night in Texas.
Beckett, who hasn’t pitched since Aug. 17 because of an inflamed pitching elbow, threw 58 pitches during a bullpen session Tuesday.
“We’ll cut him short on Friday, which makes it harder to win the game,” manager Terry Francona said. “But after not starting a game, there’s no good way to let a guy go out and throw a bunch of pitches.”
Francona said 70-75 pitches “might be a bit much” for Beckett in his first game back.
• First baseman Kevin Youkilis was removed from Boston’s lineup because of lower back spasms.
Footnotes.
Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain (rotator cuff) was activated from the DL and will work out of the bullpen the rest of the regular season.
• White Sox outfielders Carlos Quentin (forearm) and Ken Griffey Jr. (back) were held out of the lineup.
• Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia is out for the season after injuring his right forearm Monday night against the Mariners.
• Braves third baseman Chipper Jones was scratched from the lineup with a sore right knee.
• Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets, pulled from Monday’s game after five innings because of slight tightness in his left groin, is expected to make his scheduled start Saturday against San Diego.
• Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and might be able to return to action this month.
The Associated Press
