Don Mattingly: Josh Beckett could pitch again for Dodgers this year

Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said Friday that pitcher Josh Beckett, who has been put on the 15-day disabled list because of a hip injury, could make a return for the team this year.

Columnist

Aug. 8, 2014 5:30 PM PT

REPORTING FROM MILWAUKEE —

Josh Beckett could pitch again for the Dodgers, Manager Don Mattingly said Friday.

Beckett was officially put on the disabled list before the Dodgers’ series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Roberto Hernandez, acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies the previous day, will start the game instead of Beckett.

A recent MRI exam showed a recurrence of Beckett’s left hip impingement, as well as a left groin strain.

Beckett remained in Los Angeles. Mattingly said he will rest 10 days to two weeks.

“I anticipate he will be able to pitch again this year,” Mattingly said.

Beckett has a torn labrum in his hip, which could require surgery.

Mattingly pointed out that Clayton Kershaw had a similar condition two years ago. What Mattingly did not mention was that at the time the Dodgers were braced for the possibility that Kershaw would have to undergo an operation.

The surgery never happened, as Kershaw, then 24, responded well to an injection of platelet-rich plasma. Beckett is 34.