Beckett feeling better, ready for next start

BOSTON (AP)—Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett(notes) is ready to pitch again, a day after getting scratched from a start because of back spasms.

“We did the things that we needed to do and I feel a lot better today than I did yesterday,” Beckett said before Tuesday night’s game against Toronto.

Beckett’s next outing is scheduled for Saturday.

“He says he feels about 80 percent better, which is real good news,” Boston manager Terry Francona said.

Beckett is 16-6 and has already pitched a career-high with 207 1-3 innings. He said the day off Monday helped.

“Obviously you’d like it to be under different conditions if you were trying to take a break,” he said. “Not sitting in the trainer’s room for 3 1/2 hours trying to loosen your back up.”

Boston began the night with a magic number of one over Texas for the AL wild card. They can win it with a victory over Toronto or a Rangers loss to the Angels.

“Hopefully we can take care of business tonight and get our stuff done,” Beckett said.

In 2007, Beckett was 4-0 with a 1.20 ERA in four postseason starts as the Red Sox won their second World Series in four seasons. He also was a key part of the 2003 Florida Marlins’ title run.