Dodgers News: Josh Beckett Removed From Start Due To Groin Issue

Dodgers starter Josh Beckett labored through three innings last night as the veteran right-hander surrendered four runs on only 68 pitches.

Manager Don Mattingly pulled Beckett in favor of reliever Javy Guerra and after the game last night, Mattingly shed some light as to why Beckett was pulled early.

Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com provided an update on Beckett:

Josh Beckett has something “bothering” his groin muscle and that was part of the reason he was removed, Don Mattingly said..

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 14, 2013

Yes, Beckett will get slammed because he might blame his poor start on his injured groin, but he showed absolutely nothing in his start last night. With the loss, Beckett fell to 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA and is in danger of being placed on the disabled list.

The once deep Dodgers rotation has been decimated by injuries and the hope is we find out today that Zack Greinke will start tomorrow’s finale against the Nationals.

Without Beckett possibly in the rotation, Matt Magill should remain in the starting rotation when Greinke does get back.

After an impressive start against the Diamondbacks in Arizona, Beckett has a 6.92 ERA in May and his KK/BB ratio is about 2:1.Frustration is running high as Dodger fans can’t stand watching Beckett pitch at a snails pace and then have him put up the numbers he is.

If he is in fact being bothered by a nagging injury, hopefully the down time will provide an opportunity for him to regain his confidence and be a percentage of the pitcher he once was.