Beckett cleared for Thursday start against Tribe

KANSAS CITY -- At a time the Red Sox need all the good news they can get from a health standpoint, they got some on Monday. Right-hander Josh Beckett declared himself good to go for his start on Thursday night at Fenway against the Indians.

Beckett was scratched from his Saturday start due to discomfort in the right lat area.

"Beckett threw today, said he felt great," said manager Bobby Valentine. "Well, I don't think he said great. I think he said he felt fine and ready to go."

Beckett doesn't figure to have any pitch count restrictions after missing just one outing.

"It seems like it's a regular start unless I'm told differently," Beckett said.