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Beckett returns as Red Sox look to continue to roll

Sep 5, 2008 - 10:26 AM Boston (82-57) at Texas (69-72) 8:05 p.m. EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox have done pretty well without righthander Josh Beckett. But they know his health is invaluable if they have any hope of doing well in October.

Beckett will be on the hill as Boston looks to continue its dominance of the Texas Rangers on Friday.

Since Beckett's (11-9, 4.34 ERA) last start on August 17, the Red Sox have gone 11-4 and hold a four-game lead in the American League wild-card race on the Minnesota Twins (77-62).

The righthander missed a pair of starts after giving up eight runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, but was given a clean bill of health by Dr. James Andrews despite tingling in his arm due to an elbow strain.

Beckett is expected to throw between 60-75 pitches as the Red Sox hope to have him at full strength for the final few weeks of the season and possibly the playoffs.

Boston could also return third baseman Mike Lowell, who has been on the disabled list since August 12 with a right oblique injury. First baseman Kevin Youkilis has missed the past two games with back spasms and could also be back as well.

Seeing the Rangers may be another boost for the Red Sox, who have won all seven meetings with Texas.

The Rangers, who have allowed 67 runs in their losses to the Red Sox, will send Kevin Millwood (9-7, 4.84) to the mound. The righthander, who has won his last three starts, allowed two runs over 6 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Sunday.

Millwood will try and slow down the red-hot Dustin Pedroia, who has multi-hit games in six of his last eight contests and is batting .618 (21-for-34) with three home runs and 12 RBI over that span.