Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

TORONTO _ Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett has been pushed back for a second time and is now scheduled to pitch on Friday against the White Sox at Fenway Park.

The right-hander, who has had numbness and tingling in his fingers on his throwing hand, said he's still experiencing the sensations and has inflammation in the elbow, too.

"We're doing everything in our power to make sure this guy is able to go out and pitch like he can pitch," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "This gives him another three days of more routine and we can bump his side back to Tuesday. We all feel a little bit better about being overly cautious, but when it comes to somebody's arm, and their future, we need to do it."

The Red Sox don't want to rush Beckett back into the rotation, and with Tim Wakefield (shoulder stiffness) ready to pitch, he'll start on Tuesday at New York in place of Beckett.

"I think we're going at this the right way," said Beckett. "I have to be supportive of it and it's the right thing to do."

Beckett played catch at the Rogers Centre on Friday and said he felt good with no numbness. However, it returned and Red Sox management thought it best to push him back.

"Right now we're doing what's best for me and the organization," Beckett said.

Beckett said he will still throw on the side at least a little bit each day in preparation for his next start.

In an attempt to help the situation, Beckett has been wearing a removable cast while he's sleeping in order to keep his right arm straight.

"It definitely doesn't help you get into a deep state of R.E.M, though," he said.

 Tags  Josh Beckett Red Sox

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