Los Angeles Dodgers’ Josh Beckett says he’ll be ready for the season

Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting pitcher Josh Beckett, who pitched in just eight games last season, told reporters he didn’t “have numbness and tingling, anymore” and would be ready for the start of the season.

“I’m not tentative,” said Beckett, who reported to camp a day late so he could attend a wedding via the Associated Press. “I’m going to throw as hard as I can and see what happens. Right now, I feel great. I’ll throw the ball until I blow out and I’m hoping that’s not for a few more years.”

Last season, Beckett went 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA. He gave up 50 hits, 15 walks and allowed eight home runs. He had a WHIP of 1.50. Obviously, the season was a disaster.

However, injuries played a big role in his struggles – he underwent surgery to have a rib removed last July in a surgery to alleviate a nerve condition midseason.

“It’s just if he’s healthy,” Dodgers’ manager Don Mattingly said. “Josh throws the ball good. He’s been a quality pitcher for a long time and he still has good stuff. How he bounces back, we’ll see. We’ve had nothing but positive reports all winter. Josh has never been in the bullpen. Obviously, it’s a competitive situation. We’re not handing anything out for anybody. If he’s healthy, we’ll see.”

Beckett will battle Paul Maholm for the fifth spot in the rotation.