Dodgers News: Josh Beckett Ahead Of Schedule, Throwing Next Week

With the Red Sox in town, there’s been a reflection period since the blockbuster deal was finalized a year ago today and the Dodgers got some news about one of the players involved in the deal today.

Josh Beckett underwent surgery during the week of July 8 to help relieve pressure in his neck and won’t be back the rest of the season. Due to his injury, the Dodgers acquired Ricky Nolasco from the Miami Marlins and the move looks to have paid off as the native Californian is 5-1 with a 2.53 ERA in nine starts.

According to Pedro Moura of the OC Register, Beckett will resume throwing next week:

Dodgers RHP Josh Beckett is recovering from surgery significantly ahead of schedule and plans on resuming throwing next week

— Pedro Moura (@PedroMoura) August 25, 2013

Beckett was brutal in eight starts with an 0-5 record and 5.19 ERA as there were high hopes that he’d deliver better results after he was solid with the Dodgers last year. After he was acquired, Beckett was 2-2 with a 2.65 ERA in six starts in September last season and will be under contract for 2014 at $15.75 million.

The Dodgers were decimated by injuries early that helped contribute to their 30-42 start, but with improved health and production, they’ve vaulted to the top of the heap in the National League.

It’s good to see Beckett is ahead of schedule in his recovery, but he’ll have a lot to prove before the start of next season after his disappointing 2013 campaign.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out more about Vin Scully’s return next season!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvk4QbbsI34