BOSTON — The Red Sox agreed Monday to a $68 million, four-year contract extension with No. 1 starter Josh Beckett, a deal that figures to keep him in Boston pitching alongside free-agent acquisition John Lackey through 2014.
Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are also under the team’s control for five more seasons.
“It’s hard to have an elite organization without excellent starting pitching,” Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said. “When you have that starting pitching, you don’t want to let it get away.”
Beckett, 29, has a 106-68 record with a 3.81 ERA and 1,331 strikeouts in his career. In 14 career postseason starts, he is 7-3 with a 3.07 ERA and three shutouts — one behind Christy Mathewson for the most in major-league history.
The Red Sox also announced that minor- league outfielder Ryan Westmoreland is receiving physical and occupational therapy, weeks after having brain surgery for a cavernous malformation.
Lee ready to throw bullpen session
OAKLAND, Calif. — Cliff Lee had planned to play long toss Friday as part of his recovery from a strained abdominal muscle. He’s feeling so good, he will throw a regular bullpen session instead.
Lee, who is on the disabled list, played catch for the second consecutive day without any trouble, though he knows it’s still a matter of building up arm strength before he’s fully ready to return.
“It’s pretty good,” the left-hander said. “I felt absolutely nothing. It’s behind me. I’ve just got to build up.”
Salaries climb slightly
NEW YORK — Opening-day baseball salaries grew despite the recession, although at a slower rate than in recent years.
The average salary went up 1.8 percent to $3.3 million at the start of the season, according to an analysis of rosters. The increase was the lowest since a 2.7 percent drop in 2004 and down from a 2.7 rise at the start of last season.
Footnotes.
Mets shortstop Jose Reyes (thyroid) went 1-for-3, stole two bases and played four innings in the field in an extended spring-training game against New York’s Single-A affiliate.
• Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler (ankle) said he hopes to play rehab games at Double-A Frisco this week.
• The Reds designated infielder Aaron Miles and outfielder Wladimir Balentien for assignment to the minors and added infielder Miguel Cairo and outfielder Laynce Nix to the roster.
The Associated Press
