Josh Beckett Returns as Red Sox Look to Build Off Extra-Inning Victory in Series Opener

Josh Beckett makes his much-anticipated return to the mound when the Red Sox and Seattle Mariners meet Friday night at Safeco Field.

Beckett has been sidelined for over two months with a lower back strain. He threw a pair of rehab outings and an extended side session before officially getting the call, joining Clay Buchholz in the brigade of reinforcements to the rotation this week.

While Beckett’s pitch count will be monitored, the club hopes he can last deep into this one. The Sox’ bullpen was exhausted in an 8-6 win over the Mariners in 13 innings Thursday.

Manny Delcarmen, Jonathan Papelbon and some shoddy defense allowed Seattle to score five times to tie it in the ninth.

WHEN AND WHERE

HEAD TO HEAD

PITCHING MATCHUP

The righty picks a good time to return—he is 4-1 with a 3.15 ERA in his career against Seattle and owns a 1.98 ERA in two starts at Safeco Field.

Beckett has not won since April 10.

Vargas has been one of the few bright spots for the M’s. He has his ERA back below 3.00 after allowing just one run in back-to-back starts spanning 14 2/3 innings.

The 27-year-old is 5-1 with a 2.19 ERA at home.

LINEUPS

STAT SHEET

Red Sox

• Boston has 34 home runs in its last 24 games, third in the majors over that span.
• Daniel Bard has not allowed a run in a career-high 14 straight outings.
• Outfielder Darnell McDonald is 2-for-19 over his last five games.

Mariners

• Outfielder Milton Bradley is 6-for-36 (.167) in July.
• Lefty Ryan Rowland-Smith has given up 22 homers in 93 1/3 innings.
• Second baseman Chone Figgins struck out three times Thursday for the first time since April 16.

BLACK AND BLUE

Red Sox

• Second baseman Dustin Pedroia (broken left foot) has started to swing and perform strengthening exercises. He will be examined again Monday in Los Angeles.
• Catcher Jason Varitek remains on crutches and is a couple of weeks behind Pedroia in terms of his recovery from a broken left foot.
• Catcher Victor Martinez caught Tim Wakefield’s bullpen session Thursday and will catch Clay Buchholz’s on Saturday. He could return next week from a broken left thumb.
• Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury has begun to take live batting practice as he continues to rehab from a broken rib in Fort Myers. Manager Terry Francona said there is a chance Ellsbury begins playing in minor league games next week.
• Mike Lowell went 1-for-5 in his first rehab game for Pawtucket on Thursday. He served as the designated hitter but should get some action at first and third base.
• Righty Junichi Tazawa underwent Tommy John surgery in March. He is out for the year.

Mariners

• First baseman Russell Branyan has been bothered by a sore left foot and a stiff back.
• Left-hander Erik Bedard remains sidelined following shoulder surgery last August. He was slated to return in early July but has still felt some discomfort and may not return until next month.
• Designated hitter Mike Sweeney is on the DL with back spasms. He may return soon.

OUTLOOK

The real matchup to watch may be Vargas against the Red Sox hitters. Since they miss Felix Hernandez in the series, Vargas figures to give them their toughest test.