Beckett teeing off on opponents: Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett (4-4) permitted only one run and seven hits in 7 2/3 innings during Boston's 5-1 victory at Philadelphia in an interleague game on Sunday. Beckett was in total command against a Phillies lineup that had 15 hits the previous night and allowed just four runners to reach second base prior to the eighth inning. He had five strikeouts and walked two batters while extending his winning streak to two games. "His stuff was really moving today," Boston manager Bobby Valentine said of Beckett. "He was aggressive in the strike zone and he looked like he wanted it." (Updated 05/20/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Beckett was booed off the mound May 10 when he allowed seven runs in less than three innings following news that he had played golf while skipping a start to rest a strained lat muscle -- but he has been spectacular since. The veteran right-hander has yielded just one run in his past two starts -- a span of 14 2/3 innings -- while not surrendering a home run. It's the first time this season he has not been taken deep in back-to-back games. Fantasy owners should consider the rejuvenated Beckett a quality start for Saturday's game against Tampa Bay. He is 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA against the Rays this season. (Updated 05/20/2012).
05/21/2012 22:38 Punchless Yanks shut out by Royals
Felipe Paulino blanked New York for the second time in a month, and Mike Moustakas and Jeff Francoeur hit two-run homers to lead the Kansas City Royals over the reeling Yankees 6-0 on Monday night.
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/20/2012 16:44 Beckett, Red Sox manhandle Phillies
Josh Beckett pitched 7 2/3 strong innings and Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a three-run homer to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
05/20/2012 08:36 Top 70 starters for Week 8
A lot to take into consideration before setting your pitching staffs for Fantasy Week 8. Our Al Melchior runs through his Top 70 starting options and has all the matchups.
05/19/2012 20:58 Transition to rotation has included bumps (and walks), but Bard deserves a chance
Daniel Bard said he "knew it was going to be a tough transition" from the bullpen to the starting rotation, and it's starting to show. Bard has lost three of his last four starts, and his walk totals are raising some alarms. But the Red Sox seem committed to Bard in the rotation, and they should be.
When Josh Beckett entered the All-Star break last season with an 8-3 record and a 2.27 ERA, it looked too good to be true. Those who sold high on Beckett were able to avoid a forgettable second half, in which he allowed 14 home runs in 82 innings en route to a 3.73 ERA over his final 13 starts. Last year was a microcosm of Beckett's Red Sox career, which has careened from one extreme to another over the last six seasons. He did manage to finish last year with an ERA below 3.00, but between his late-season swoon and previous inconsistencies, there are good reasons not to treat Beckett as a No. 1 or 2 Fantasy starting pitcher. Last year's first half aside, he has struggled with the long ball for much of his time in Boston and while he avoids contact, he has had a difficult time stranding the runners he puts on, for the most part. Owners can still expect Beckett to help with strikeouts and WHIP, but he will have a difficult time matching last year's ERA, making him no more than a No. 3 starting pitcher in mixed leagues. (Updated 2/17/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start