Projo Sox Blog

BOSTON -- Josh Beckett had his valuable right elbow examined Friday morning by noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, and the results of those tests were "awesome," said manager Terry Francona.

"Everything came out completely structurally sound," Francona said Friday afternoon. "There was some inflammation. They did a number of tests and he came out with flying colors. That was awesome for us."

Beckett rejoined the team late in the afternoon. If all goes well, Francona said Beckett could make his next start in a week, on Sept. 5 in Texas, the first game of a three-game set against the Rangers.

Beckett said he was relieved after hearing the test results.

"The ligament looked fine. That's what I was concerned with," said Beckett a few minutes ago. "It (the visit) was something I needed to do to clear my head. I needed to hear it from the clown's mouth, not that Dr. Andrews is a clown."

Beckett said the elbow is stiff, but that he hopes to be able to play catch tomorrow.

The right-hander, who was pounded for eight runs in only 2 1/3 innings in his last start at home against the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 17, was placed on the disabled list Friday afternoon, retroactive to Aug. 18. Taking his place on the roster will be veteran catcher David Ross, whose contract will be purchased from Pawtucket.

Beckett would be eligible to come off the DL on Tuesday, but he won't be rushed back that soon.

Beckett had been bothered by tingling and numbness in two fingers of his right hand after the start against the Jays, and, though he was able to throw a solid side session a few days ago while on the road trip, he wanted to see Andrews, who has tended to him in the past.

So for the pitcher's "peace of mind," said Francona, Beckett visited Andrews in his Pensacola, Fla., office.

"I didn't think anything was wrong," said Francona. "I'm glad we [sent him to Andrews]. When I saw him throw his side, I was excited. You can't throw 97 [if something's wrong]. But you want to be careful. He's important to our present and our future. We feel that way with everybody."

Beckett was joined at Andrews' office by Mike Reinold, the team's rehab coordinator and assistant trainer. Francona said he spoke three times to Reinold and not to Beckett, but he had an inkling Beckett felt relieved.

"He was baing a smart-aleck in the background, so he must feel all right," joked Francona.

 Tags  james andrews josh beckett terry francona

---