Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell expected to return to Red Sox on Friday

The Boston Red Sox have 23 games left to play until the end of the 162-game regular season. On Friday, September 5th, Red Sox SP Josh Beckett and 3B Mike Lowell are expected to return. At 11-9, Beckett has not pitched since August 17th. Becket is scheduled to face Texas Rangers' SP Kevin Millwood who is 9-7 on the season. Beckett is returning from inflammation in his right elbow, while Mike Lowell is healing a strained right-side oblique. Michael Bowden threw a near gem against the Chicago White Sox in Beckett's place, but the veteran experience of Josh Beckett in the postseason is unparalleled. In Mike Lowell's place, the 3B spot has been filled by IF Alex Cora and IF Jed Lowrie while Lowell has been out. Again, it is nice to have the bat of Mike Lowell back in the game at which point Lowrie or Cora could play SS. Their returns could not have come at a better time for the Red Sox. The Red Sox presently lead the AL Wild Card Race, and are 3.5 games out of first place behind the infamous ... (link)