More reasons to take the F I S H
The waiting finally ends for Josh Beckett tonight when he makes his first start since going on the disabled list with an elbow sprain seven weeks ago.
''I'm ready to go. I've been looking forward to it for a while,'' said Beckett, who will be matched against the Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Hampton.
Beckett made two rehab starts in the past nine days, pitching seven innings and allowing two runs on six hits. In his last outing June 26 in the Double A Southern League, Beckett struck out seven in four innings and did not allow a walk.
''I'm feeling good,'' Beckett said.
Manager Jack McKeon said he hopes Beckett (2-3, 3.76 ERA) can pitch into the seventh inning, which would equal his longest outing of the year. But he said the right-hander would not be on a pitch count.
''I just want to see him go out there and throw strikes,'' McKeon said. ``I don't really have a number [of pitches]. It's a matter of building up strength. We still have to be a little bit cautious with him.''
s c OO p