"Josh Beckett could return to the Red Sox rotation as soon as next weekend, having successfully tested the stability of his sprained right ankle yesterday.

Beckett was on the field four hours before the Sox lost to the Rays last night, 6-5 in 11 innings. With his ankle in a brace, he threw from 120 feet and then tried a series of fastballs, changeups, and breaking pitches from 60 feet.

Beckett said the idea of throwing a bullpen session on Tuesday or Wednesday and then pitching in a game three days later is realistic as far as he is concerned."