posted on Jun, 23 2004 @ 08:54 PM
Florida ace Josh Beckett is probably headed back to the disabled list. Beckett, trying to recover from a strained back muscle, felt pain while
throwing for a second consecutive day Wednesday.
He was hoping to start Saturday at Tampa Bay, but a team spokesman said Beckett's latest setback likely will land the World Series MVP on the 15-day
DL for the second time in less than a month.
The Marlins were not sure who would replace Beckett in the rotation, but left-hander Darren Oliver is an obvious choice. He started eight games this
season before moving to the bullpen.
Beckett (4-4, 3.86 ERA) threw about five minutes Tuesday before feeling some pain and stopping. He felt more discomfort Wednesday while throwing from
about 90 feet.
Beckett left last Thursday's game against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning after feeling a "pop" in his back. It was his first start since
returning from the 15-day disabled list because of a blister on his right middle finger.
Beckett said he's never had any back problems, calling the injury "a freak deal."