Josh Beckett of the Boston Red Sox, who has been plagued by injuries for much of the season, will have his first start in the 2008 baseball playoffs pushed back. Last season, Beckett was the undisputed ace of the pitching staff as the Red Sox went on to win the World Series. This season? The picture this postseason isn’t so clear.

As of now, Beckett will be pushed back to Game 3 of the opening series against the Los Angeles Angels. In Game 1 Jon Lester will starter, while Daisuke Matsuzaka will get the start in Game 2.

This injury for Beckett is being called a strained oblique. He got hurt during a bullpen session recently and the muscle has tightened up on him. Although some internet rumors have Beckett being sidelined much longer, all indications from Boston point to Beckett being ready to go by Game 3.

In Beckett’s postseason career, he’s been unbelievable. In ten starts in the playoffs, Beckett has a 1.73 ERA and a record of 6-2. For the Red Sox to have a chance to come out of the competitive American League playoffs, they’ll need Beckett at his best.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Josh Beckett is apparently frustrated with his injury woes and is going to visit with Dr. James Andrews. Andrews, who is known as the Grim Reaper among baseball fans, will take a look at why Beckett has lingering elbow pain.

The good news for Boston Red Sox fans is that this meeting is being classified as a precautionary move. Beckett isn’t expected to miss much amount of time and there is only limited talk that Beckett may require season-ending surgery.

Although the Red Sox are in a good position to repeat as World Series champions, they definitely need a healthy Josh Beckett. Beckett was key last year and while he hasn’t been great this year, he is a noted big game pitcher.

This season, Beckett is 11-9 with a 4.34 ERA. He also has 145 strikeouts in just over 149 innings.

Keep an eye out for the result of Beckett’s meeting with Andrews as it should become known over the next few days.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve