Dodgers still hope Beckett can make start

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers pitcher Josh Beckett, on the disabled list with a bruised hand, was still a possibility to start next week after injuring his ankle in a Friday night Minor League rehab start, manager Don Mattingly said Saturday.

However, Beckett did not play catch Saturday, which makes a bullpen session Sunday unlikely, which would make a start Wednesday against Detroit even less likely, considering he's had three injuries since last pitching in a Major League game.

The Dodgers were pointing Beckett toward Wednesday night's game in hopes of giving extra rest to Hyun-Jin Ryu, who made 69 pitches in his third start Friday. Thursday is a day off and, ideally, Ryu would be rested until Friday night.

If Beckett doesn't start Wednesday, the Dodgers would either give the ball again to Ryu on normal rest or call up a Minor Leaguer. Matt Magill started for Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, so it would be his regular day to pitch.

"It's a little sore this morning," Mattingly said. "I think he's frustrated, honestly. He felt his stuff was good, his arm felt good. Right now, nothing's changed [about his chances to start]. The next couple of days will tell us."

Beckett bruised his right hand in Spring Training as he was coming back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery to remove a rib.