"There was a sliver of good news as the Red Sox slunk out of Tropicana Field yesterday after being swept by the Rays.

Josh Beckett will report to Fenway Park today and throw off the bullpen mound. In theory, that would line him up to start Thursday or Friday.

Beckett has been out since last Monday, when he sprained his right ankle in the fourth inning in Toronto. His return would be a huge boost.

Beckett is hoping to start one of the games against the Rays, a series that starts Thursday.

"We'll see. I don't know. I think that might be a little ambitious but I think he wants to do it, which is a good sign,'' manager Terry Francona said. "We'll see how he feels.''"