Josh Beckett Injury: Updates on Red Sox Pitcher's Back Injury

There may be bad news on the horizon for the Boston Red Sox. Starting pitcher Josh Beckett made an early departure from Tuesday night's contest against Detroit.

Providence Journal's Brian MacPherson reported on the situation:

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Valentine calling for Mortensen. Beckett will leave with what looks like a lower-back injury.

— Brian MacPherson (@brianmacp) August 1, 2012"

UPDATE: Thursday, August 2, 11:05 p.m. ET by Scott Carasik

Josh Beckett isn't going to be pitching in his next start after he miss his bullpen session on Thursday as Joe McDonald of ESPN reported: 

"

"He's not throwing today and I'd say it's questionable for him to throw tomorrow, which would then make it questionable that he would make his next start, which means he won't make it, more than likely," Boston Manager Bobby Valentine said Thursday. "He feels much improved today and had a great night's sleep. He's still a little limited in his motion."

"

It sounds as if Beckett is still resting up. However, he is going to be out a couple more days at the very least. He hasn't been put on the disabled list yet, so it's very possible that he will be able to make his next start. But don't count on it.

He is likely to miss his bullpen session again on Friday. It looks like the next time he will pitch will be sometime next week, likely on Tuesday or Wednesday giving him a full week of rest at least. The injury doesn't seem too severe though and it looks like he will be able to pitch again soon.

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UPDATE: Tuesday, July 31, 9:05 p.m. ET by Eric Ball

Information is slowly coming out on the specific reason for Beckett’s early departure, and Ian Browne of MLB.com confirms it was back spasms:

"

Back spasm was reason for Beckett's exit.

— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) August 1, 2012"

Beckett threw 49 pitches in 2.2 innings while allowing one run before coming out of the game. After mowing down the first eight Detroit Tigers, Beckett surrendered a single, hit a batter and gave up back-to-back walks.

On the final pitch to Miguel Cabrera in the second walk, Beckett motioned for the Sox training staff to come to the mound. The trainer appeared to be focusing on the left side of his lower back before deeming him unable to keep pitching.

No word yet on how severe the injury is and if he’ll make his next scheduled start. 

---------End of Update--------

An injury would be disappointing to the Red Sox faithful, but it wouldn't be surprising. Beckett has only cleared the 200-inning threshold three times in his 11-year career, and he's seemingly always on the disabled list. 

Beckett has been healthy so far this season, but one injury could be the start of an excruciating process. His body is fragile, and with his increasing age, he can't bounce back like he'd prefer. Any minor strain could potentially lead to time on the injured list.

On paper, Beckett may not seem like a big loss. He's 5-9 this year with an ERA over 4.50. He's not the pitcher he once was, and his consistency comes and goes. Sometimes he looks "lights out." Other times he looks extremely hittable.

Nonetheless, Boston is No. 23 in the league in team ERA and No. 25 in quality starts. As bad as Beckett has been at times, they can't afford to lose any arms at this crucial point in the season.

Knowing Beckett's injury-plagued past, this situation is worth keeping an eye on. When we know more about the gravity of Beckett's injury, so will you.

Stay tuned for more information.