After a lengthy stint on the disabled list, Red Sox fireballer Josh Beckett will make his return to the mound tonight against the Seattle Mariners. Beckett has missed over two months since injuring his back in a start against the New York Yankees on May 18.
The return couldn't come at a better time for Boston, who has dropped to 7 games out in the AL East lead. Beckett will hope to reassume his role as ace of the staff, but it will need to be done with a better quality of pitching if he wishes to get back comparable with the likes of Jon Lester. Prior to getting injured, Beckett was 1-1 with an ugly 7.29 ERA in 8 starts for the Sox.
Look for command to be the biggest issue with Beckett tonight. If he commands his pitches, he should be effective. From all indications, his strength and velocity is back into form. I would look for how he commands his fastball and how he snaps off his curve ball. When Beckett is sharp, his curve is really bending. If we see that deuce hanging or staying flat, don't expect a quality start. Beckett's performance and Beckett's curve ball go hand in hand when it comes to effectiveness.
Start time for the game is 10:10 PM EDT. The Sox will be opposed by Seattle starter Jason Vargas, who is 6-4 with a 2.97 ERA.
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