Paul Maholm okay with pitching in relief

The last member of camp to report to Spring Training for the Dodgers today was Josh Beckett.

The 33-year old, who was part of the blockbuster trade in 2012 with the Boston Red Sox, was shut down early in 2013 for the season after both a groin strain and suffering from nerve issues in his hand. The nerve issues were linked to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and Beckett had surgery in July. He has been rehabbing ever since.

Today, he reported to Spring Training, intent on being the fifth starter in the Dodgers’ rotation. He will have competition. There’s Chad Billingsley, returning from Tommy John surgery, who has thrown several bullpen sessions without experiencing any problems.

There’s also Paul Maholm, who is less than 24-hours removed from signing a Major League deal for $1.5 million for 2014. Ken Gurnick of MLB.com along with several Los Angeles media members spoke with manager Don Mattingly about what a healthy Beckett could mean for the 31-year old lefty. Mattingly said he has spoken with Maholm, and Paul knows that if Beckett is able to come back successfully from TOS and earn the fifth starter position, that could push him to the bullpen, and he’s okay with that.

Maholm’s one-year deal includes incentives based on performance and starts that could earn him up to $6.5 million, which is what he earned with the Braves last year. He went 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts.