Boston’s Josh Beckett not expected back until late July.

The Red Sox aren’t expecting Josh Beckett back until late July. He’s not expected to face hitters until July 1 and Manager Terry Francona says he will need three rehab starts. Interim Marlins Manager Edwin Rodriguez is the first major league manager from Puerto Rico, a distinction that would have gone to the White Sox’s Joey Cora if he had been hired by any of the teams for which he has interviewed One of Kerry Wood’s problems with the Indians has been a lack of work. Manager Manny Acta plans to pitch him at least once every three games, save situation or not If Chipper Jones retires along with Braves Manager Bobby Cox, he will become the first player to spend all of a 10-plus year career with one manager since Mike Scioscia played 13 seasons for Tommy Lasorda with the Dodgers. Two other current combinations meet those criteria — Albert Pujols and Tony La Russa with the Cardinals and Scot Shields and Scioscia with the Angels Rick Porcello allowed one hit in eight innings in his first start after being demoted to triple A. He will be back with the Tigers pronto Some think A.J. Burnett’s recent problems are the result of missing pitching coach Dave Eiland, who is on personal leave. Jorge Posada wonders if he’s tipping pitches Chris Carpenter is a Cubs fan’s worst nightmare. He’s 21-2 since July 5 a year ago Why aren’t the Angels getting worked up over the Rangers’ division lead? The Rangers in this decade have had a winning month in July four times, in August four times and in September-October only twice. Is it the heat or the thin pitching staffs? The Padres are winning with pitching and might add more before the trade deadline. They are interested especially in prospective free agents such as Ted Lilly, Jake Westbrook, Aaron Heilman, Scott Downs and Jason Frasor, whom they might convince to sign long-term deals. Chris Young, out since April with shoulder problems, isn’t sure to return.

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