Beckett throws full bullpen, could start Wednesday

LOS ANGELES -- Right-hander Josh Beckett threw a full bullpen session Sunday afternoon before the Dodgers played the Giants, manager Don Mattingly said, and remains in the mix to possibly start Wednesday night against the Detroit Tigers.
 
"It sounds like that went pretty well," Mattingly said. "He threw a full 'pen, used all of his pitches. We'll see how he feels about it."
 
Beckett's 2013 season ended May 15 when he went on the DL because of a left groin muscle injury. On July 10, he underwent surgery to have a rib removed to alleviate a nerve problem. He was 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA in eight starts.
 
The 2003 World Series MVP left Friday's rehab start with Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga in the fifth inning after feeling discomfort in an ankle while fielding a bunt.
 
Beckett, 33, said he felt "encouraged" by Sunday's 35-pitch bullpen, and said the ankle "was better than yesterday."
 
"It could be him [Wednesday]," Mattingly said. "We still have different combinations."
 
Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu, on regular rest, or someone from the Minor Leagues, such as Matt Magill (who pitched for Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday) are other Wednesday possibilities.
 
But, Mattingly said, the Dodgers would like to stay away from Ryu because he's already started three of the team's first seven games.
 
In addition to recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, Beckett's spring was slowed when he slammed a finger in a clubhouse door. Add his recent ankle problem, and Beckett said, "I guess it's a part of getting old."