Josh Beckett ‘More Than Likely’ to Miss Next Start, With Franklin Morales Expected to Pitch in His Place

Josh Beckett is questionable for his next start days after leaving a game due to a back spasm.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine described Beckett as “much improved” on Thursday, but still indicated his pitcher was dealing with a limited range of motion.

“I’d say it’s questionable for him to throw [Friday], which would then make it questionable that he would make his next start, which means that he won’t make it, more than likely,” Valentine told reporters at Fenway.

Beckett left Tuesday’s game against Detroit in the third innning after his back locked up on him, a similar injury to one he dealt with in 2010. If the right-hander is unable to get his work in before his next start, it’s expected that lefty Franklin Morales will start in his place.

Morales is 2-1 as a starter this season with a 3.42 ERA.