Dodgers' Tough Guy Josh Beckett Returns from DL

He may be in the twilight of his career but the veteran is showing he's still got a lot left in the tank

Josh Beckett's in the wrong sport.

He should be a football player. They're the only athletes I can think of who could suffer the same physical ailments Beckett has dealt with the past two years and still perform at a high level.

The right-hander's fortitude is unquestionable. He already proved his mettle by returning this year from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Now, he's dealing with an injured left hip. And, it's not just the type of soreness that makes your face scrunch when getting out of bed. According to MLB.com, the hip has a torn labrum and two cysts. For most normal human beings that would require a cane just to get from the couch to the bathroom. For Beckett, one good Cortizone shot and he's ready to take the mound Tuesday against the Pirates and throw 90-plus MPH fastballs to guys who make a living swatting at them.

He'll return from the 15-day disabled list with a chance to give the Dodgers a series win against a potential playoff team. It's a series they need to win, for a number of reasons. Manager Don Mattingly will turn to Beckett to get it done.

But, here's the thing: He's not healed. The former World Series MVP has decided to pitch through the pain for the rest of the season.

"Hopefully, I can make it through. I think here in another month I can get another shot if I have to. I'm not really looking forward to that, but if that's what I have to do, that's what I have to do," Beckett told Dodgers beat writer Michael Lananna.

No big deal. He's already down a rib from his thoracic surgery.

Ok, so Beckett lost the rib, but he gained a no-hitter. He doesn't throw as hard, but he's fourth in the NL with a 2.26 ERA. He won't win a Cy Young, but he's won respect around the league.

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