Beckett could be a difference in rotation

Dodger right-hander Josh Beckett made his second start of the season last night in San Francisco in a game Los Angeles eventually lost 3-2 in 12 innings.

But Dodger skipper Don Mattingly and pitching coach had to like Beckett’s five innings of two-hit ball and no runs allowed. Granted, Beckett did walk five batters but his control was not the problem.

Beckett refused to give in to Giants batters and was hitting his spots all night. He worked the corners and was almost always near the strike zone. He pitched out of several jams and mixed a cutter, breaking ball and low to mid-90s fastball in the five innings worked.

With Clayton Kershaw still on the DL, the Dodgers need solid innings from the No. 4 and No. 5 pitchers in the rotation, Beckett and Maholm.

Beckett’s 2013 season ended abruptly last May 15 when he went on the DL because of a left groin muscle injury. On July 10, he underwent surgery to have a rib removed to alleviate a nerve problem. He was 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA in eight starts.
 
Beckett will probably never return to the form that won him the 2003 World Series MVP but at 33 he still has fuel in the tank.

Beckett looked strong last night and the Giants couldn’t do much damage against him. If he pitches like he did last night the Dodgers’ rotation should keep Los Angeles in contention until Kershaw can return to the mound.

 
In addition to recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, Beckett's spring was slowed when he slammed a finger in a clubhouse door. Added to his recent ankle problem, Beckett knows age is a factor.

"I guess it's a part of getting old,” he said.

Old at 33 – now there’s a concept.