Beckett makes 2nd rehab start

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - Josh Beckett has allowed three runs in his second rehab start in preparation for his return to the Boston Red Sox.

The PawSox went on to the lose the game 9-5.

Beckett left after giving up a single and a walk to the first two batters in the fifth inning on Saturday night. The right-hander threw 81 pitches and allowed five hits with three strikeouts and a walk.

Boston manager Terry Francona has left the door open for Beckett to return to the rotation on the team's West Coast trip that starts Monday in Oakland.

Beckett has been on the disabled list since May 19 with a lower back strain. He is 1-1 with a 7.29 ERA in eight starts.

In his other rehab start last Sunday, Beckett gave up one run on two hits with four strikeouts in four innings in a 2-1 win over Syracuse.