Touch 'Em All: Beckett's comeback is ahead of schedule
All-star righthander Josh Beckett, a cornerstone of the Dodgers' blockbuster trade with Boston a year ago, declared himself ahead of schedule after thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. One of his ribs was removed to alleviate numbness in his pitching arm. He expects to be ready for the start of spring training.
All-star righthander Josh Beckett, a cornerstone of the Dodgers' blockbuster trade with Boston a year ago, declared himself ahead of schedule after thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. One of his ribs was removed to alleviate numbness in his pitching arm. He expects to be ready for the start of spring training.
Beckett spoke Sunday - the anniversary of the trade - before watching his current and former clubs conclude their three-game interleague series.
The three-time all-star, who flew in from Dallas on Friday, expects to go back to Texas on Wednesday to begin a throwing program that will include three or four sessions off a mound.
Put the broom away
The Rays got greedy when they earned the opportunity to sweep the Yankees on Sunday. That's why they were a little disappointed by a 3-2 loss in 11 innings.
"Two victories and a chance to sweep - you want to step on their throat and finish them off," starting pitcher Alex Cobb said.
Alfonso Soriano started New York's winning rally with a one-out double off Jamey Wright (2-2) in the 11th. He stole third and scored on Curtis Granderson's sacrifice fly to center.
The Rays had won eight of 10 and began the day in a virtual tie with Boston for the top spot in the AL East.
"When you win the first two, you really want to go all the way," manager Joe Maddon said. "But I'll always take two out of three in this game against a really good other team."
Tossed before the start
White Sox bench coach Mark Parent was ejected from Chicago's game against the Texas Rangers during the pregame lineup exchange by crew chief and second base umpire Jerry Layne. Manager Robin Ventura said there was a lingering issue from Saturday.
Kruk under the weather
Former Phillie and ESPN commentator John Kruk was taken from the Dodger Stadium press box on a stretcher, according to multiple sources.
Kruk was "a little under the weather," TV partner Dan Schulman said during the opening of ESPN's Dodgers-Boston Red Sox telecast. ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said Kruk left the booth feeling dizzy and subsequently was diagnosed with dehydration.
Curt Schilling, a Kruk teammate with the Phillies, joined the telecast as a guest analyst.
- Wire reports