Jays vs Red Sox on TBS Beckett vs Halladay

[BronxBomberz]

Boston ace Josh Beckett will make his return to the Red Sox's starting rotation against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Sunday afternoon.

Beckett was forced to miss Boston's road trips to Japan and Oakland because of tightness in his lower back. The 27-year-old right-hander was able to work through the injury while training at the team's Minor League complex in Fort Myers, Fla., and his start against Toronto will mark his first appearance of the 2008 season.

"He'll give everything he has -- just like he always does," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "We know he's not going to pitch a complete game. He's not ready to do that. But it's nice to get him out there."

Francona stopped short of saying how many pitches Beckett would be allowed to throw, opting instead to take a wait-and-see approach. But he also stressed that the Sox will make sure they do not overexert their No. 1 starter.

Beckett's last rehab outing came on Tuesday in an intrasquad game that consisted of Class A and extended Spring Training players in Boston's organization. He went five innings, surrendering one run on two hits while striking out four. He threw 47 of his 64 pitches for strikes.

"It's not the best of circumstances as far as preparation, but he did a good job with it," Francona said. "I think our team feels good when he's out there, even if he's coming out of Spring Training a little bit later than anybody else."

Beckett's first task of the season won't be an easy one. He'll be trying to help the Red Sox avoid the three-game sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays, and he will have to do it against Toronto's No. 1 starter Roy Halladay.

That might seem a little daunting, but Sunday's results aren't what's most important for the Sox. They finally have their workhorse back at the top of the rotation.

"Obviously, we want to win," Francona said, "and he's going to need to be sharp, because we know how Halladay throws. But just to have him out there will be a big step forward for us."

Pitching matchup
BOS: RHP Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27 ERA in 2007)
Beckett is 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in eight career starts against the Blue Jays.

TOR: RHP Roy Halladay (0-1, 3.86 ERA)
Halladay is 9-10 with a 4.82 ERA in 32 career outings against the Red Sox.

Tidbits
Designated hitter David Ortiz is hitting .292 (21-for-72) with five home runs and 19 RBIs in his career against Halladay. ... Right fielder J.D. Drew has also enjoyed a lot of success against Toronto's ace. Drew is hitting .385 (5-for-13) with three walks against the Doctor. ... Boston reliever Mike Timlin threw a bullpen session on Saturday morning. He is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday and then again on Wednesday. If everything goes smoothly, Timlin will be a candidate to be activated off the 15-day disabled list at that time.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...t=.jsp&c_id=bos

Come on Blue Jays!

[Turn 2]

Both these pitchers are just nasty. I just hope that Beckett is fully recovered and can give it his all. Should be a great game to watch.