Dodgers News: Beckett Will Not Use Injury As Excuse For Poor Play

Los Angeles Dodgers’ starter Josh Beckett struggled in his return from the disabled list on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The right-hander lasted 3.2 innings allowing four runs while giving up three home runs.

Beckett then turned the ball over to his bullpen, who made matters worse. Four arms out of the Dodgers’ bullpen gave up eight runs, which were all earned.

Despite the injury, Beckett took a “no-excuses” attitude into the locker room when being asked about his rough outing via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:

That’s not going to be an excuse going forward,” Beckett said while acknowledging that he, Mattingly, pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, and the medical staff will have to manage his health carefully the rest of the way. “I say I’m good to pitch. The trainers say I’m good to pitch. That’s not going to be an excuse at all.

The 34-year-old was originally placed on the disabled list with hip impingement, but it was later revealed to be a torn labrum with two cysts. While some thought the injury could keep him out for a significant amount of time, Beckett missed just one start thanks to the All-Star break. Paul Maholm filled in for the missed start and had a strong outing against the San Diego Padres.

Beckett has proven to be a reliable starter this year when healthy. Heading into Tuesday’s game, he was near the top in ERA and opponents’ batting average in the National League. His early-season dominance featured a no-hitter on May 25th against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Despite the rough start, Beckett is confident that he will revisit his early-season form:

“I’m going to work on things, and I’ll be better next time out.”

The Dodgers will need Beckett to recover or they may need to make a move before the July 31 trade deadline.

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