According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, Josh Beckett took the next step in his recovery when he threw off of the mound at Fenway Park this afternoon.  Team officials wouldn’t commit to when he’d make his next start, but many have speculated it could come as early as Thursday night’s game against Tampa Bay.  At this point, they’re being being a little cautious about an announcement, lest Beckett’s ankle reacts poorly the morning after throwing. Given the glut of injuries sustained to the Red Sox rotation this season, a healthy Beckett could be precisely what the doctor ordered.

Beckett, an All-Star for the third time this season, has a 3.37 FIP, a 155/46 K/BB, and 4.1 fWAR in 173-2/3 innings this season.