Beckett, Lowell are on target
Francona expects a weekend return
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The Red Sox are healing just in time for a September stretch run in which they face American League East leader Tampa Bay six times and the spoiler Blue Jays seven times.
Both Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, the principal pieces in the 2006 deal with the Marlins for Hanley Ramirez, and two players who had huge roles in last year's World Series championship, will return during the weekend series in Arlington, Texas, against the Rangers.
Beckett worked a 58-pitch bullpen session yesterday in which, according to manager Terry Francona, he threw all of his pitches and had good velocity.
Beckett has been sidelined since Aug. 17 with inflammation in his right elbow. The inflammation is most likely still present, but the effects have subsided. And Beckett has indicated he is free of the numbness and tingling he experienced.
Francona indicated that Beckett will be on a short leash when he pitches Friday, perhaps five innings or so. The Sox don't believe he needs a rehab outing, so they will build up his endurance with the parent team.
"It was a lot easier to go out there this session with full intensity," said Beckett, who lifted weights after throwing. "Everything's OK."
Asked if he agreed with having restrictions on his outing, Beckett said, "It's not my job to make those decisions. I'll pitch until he comes out to take the ball."
Beckett said the biggest hurdle he got over was visiting Dr. James Andrews, who concurred with team doctor Thomas Gill that there were no structural issues and that Beckett need only alleviate the inflammation. That has apparently happened.
Lowell, like Beckett, won't need a rehab game as he returns from his strained right oblique. Francona had thought that shooting for the weekend was too aggressive, but Gill has signed off on it. Lowell has taken live batting practice the past two days and reports no discomfort.
Francona wouldn't allow himself to get exuberant about getting the players back and what it will mean for the Sox' chances of winning the division or maintaining their wild-card lead, saying, "Things can change awfully fast in this game."
Beckett, too, was cautious, saying, "We've got to get to October first. We're not counting out any of those teams."
Lugo still lagging
One player who doesn't appear close is Julio Lugo, who was transferred to the 60-day disabled list over the weekend. Lugo, who returned to his home in the Dominican Republic to take care of a personal matter, did some running in the outfield yesterday, but his left quadriceps is still sore and not ready for enhanced activity. Francona is hoping to have Lugo ready sometime this month, but right now there is no guarantee of that, since he suffered a setback while running at Camden Yards two weeks ago . . . Seen in the Red Sox clubhouse yesterday was righthander Bartolo Colon, who appears to be on track to start one of the two games against Toronto Sept. 13. Colon will make one more start in the minors, likely Saturday for Pawtucket or Portland, both of which are in postseason play. Colon also could pitch for Lowell if need be. "I'm feeling pretty good," he said. "Everything is OK. I'm not sure when I'll pitch again, but everything seems to be fine." . . . Francona reported that J.D. Drew's back was feeling better. Drew was in the batting cage yesterday, but he still might be a ways from being activated . . . Francona said reliever David Aardsma (groin) would throw a side session and accompany the team to Texas, barring a setback.Youkilis is iffy
Francona said Kevin Youkilis's chances of playing today are 50-50. Youkilis was scratched last night after suffering back spasms during the national anthem. "I don't know, I guess there's hope he would play, but we have a day off [tomorrow]," said Francona. "We'll see. I bet it's 50-50 at best. I don't know if it's a smart thing to do or not." Youkilis, who was replaced last night by Jeff Bailey (1 for 3, 2 runs), has had only eight at-bats on this homestand because of flulike symptoms and the back problem . . . Baltimore scratched Jeremy Guthrie for this afternoon and will start Lance Cormier . . . Daisuke Matsuzaka will go after his 17th win today, which would set the season record for wins by a pitcher born in Japan . . . Youkilis is the Sox' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for community and charitable work . . . Coco Crisp had three hits last night and is batting .438 (14 for 32) in his last nine games.Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com
