Josh Beckett

Josh Beckett struck out nine in seven innings and combined with two relievers on a shutout of the Mariners on Tuesday.

For all the angst surrounding Beckett lately, this was his fifth quality start in seven outings this season. His fastball is still a bit off, so don’t expect him to return to 2011 form. Still, he should produce value in mixed leagues the rest of the way.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe was told by an American League general manager that there could be a market for Josh Beckett, but the Red Sox would likely have to eat more than half of his contract.

Beckett is making $15.75 million this season and will get the same amount in 2013 and 2014, as well. He’s not a popular man in Beantown right now, but a trade seems unlikely, as the Red Sox aren’t exactly full of rotation depth. Plus, while he’s off to a slow start this season, Beckett is coming off a fine season, and there’s no reason to think he’s washed up at 32.

Josh Beckett returned to action on Thursday May 10.

Josh Beckett was absolutely dreadful in a loss to the Indians on Thursday, allowing seven runs on seven hits in just 2 1/3 innings of work.

Beckett struck out two and walked two in the short effort. He was again victimized by the long ball, as Jack Hannahan and Jason Kipnis each took him deep in the game. After navigating through a scoreless first inning, the Indians tagged Beckett for three in the second and four in the third before he was lifted. The loss drops Beckett to 2-4 on the season and raises his ERA to an unflattering 5.97. While he says that he’s healthy, perhaps the Red Sox would be better served placing him on the DL to allow his lat soreness to fully recover. Assuming he takes his next turn through the rotation, he’ll look to get back on track against the Mariners on Tuesday.

Josh Beckett (lat) has been cleared for Thursday’s start against the Indians after a successful bullpen session Monday.

“Beckett threw today, said he felt great,” said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine. “Well, I don’t think he said great. I think he said he felt fine and ready to go.” Beckett was scratched from his last outing as a precaution due to minor lat soreness, but he appears to be fine now and doesn’t expected to have his pitch count limited. “It seems like it’s a regular start unless I’m told differently,” Beckett said.

Josh Beckett (shoulder) said he expects to make his next start.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has no concerns about Josh Beckett being able to return after missing just one start.

Bobby V said they were just going to “play it safe” by skipping the right-hander’s scheduled start on Saturday due to minor lat soreness. Aaron Cook will fill in for him, with Beckett rejoining the rotation next week.

Josh Beckett will not make his next scheduled start Saturday against the Orioles due to unspecified soreness.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Beckett is dealing with soreness and stiffness after throwing 126 pitches during his most recent start on Sunday. It’s not clear if he’s simply being pushed back a day or will require a lengthier absence. Aaron Cook will be called up from Triple-A Pawtucket to start in his place Saturday.

Josh Beckett allowed three runs on six hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings of Sunday’s loss to the White Sox.

He struck out a season-high eight. Beckett allowed all three of his runs in the first inning, where he served up a two-run homer to Adam Dunn in addition to a run-scoring Alex Rios single. Beckett has now completed at least six innings of work in each of his past four starts, and gotten his ERA down to 4.45 following his disastrous April 7 start in Detroit. He’ll get the Orioles at home next weekend.