Boston @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 27, 2010 ) Boston 4, LA Angels 2

Josh Beckett made a solid return to the Boston Red Sox rotation last week. He'll need to be sharper Wednesday if he wants to return to the win column.

Beckett looks for his first victory since April 10 as he leads the Red Sox into their series finale with the Los Angeles Angels. Boston is looking for a road sweep of the Angels after a 6-3 win on Monday an a 4-2 triumph the following night.

Beckett returned from the disabled last week after missing two months with a back problem. He limited Seattle to one earned run over 5 2/3 innings, earning a no-decision in a game the Red Sox went on to win 2-1.

Beckett was limited early in the season because of a back problem that landed him on the disabled list as he velocity dropped and he had three starts of seven earned runs allowed or more. Though his first start back came against a Seattle team that has struggled offensively this season, Beckett viewed the outing as a positive step.
He's hoping for a similar outing Wednesday against the Angels as Boston looks to build momentum heading into the final two months of the season.
Beckett’s return to the rotation coincides with the Red Sox overall return to health. Dustin Pedroia (foot) is far from coming back, but catcher Victor Martinez was activated Monday and reserve infielder Mike Lowell hit three home runs Tuesday on his Triple-A rehab assignment and should be back in the majors by this weekend.

While the Red Sox are surging with wins in four of their last six games, the Angels are headed the other way. They've dropped five of six entering Wednesday's series finale and will play host to the West-leading Texas Rangers this weekend.

Los Angeles rests its chances of slowing down the Boston offense on right-hander Joel Pineiro (10-7, 4.18 ERA).
Pineiro, who had his start pushed back two days after Dan Haren was acquired Sunday and started Monday, was lit up for six earned runs in six innings in his previous outing. That snapped a run of seven straight quality starts.