Beckett throws 2 scoreless innings in minor league game

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett, who suffered lower back discomfort and muscle spasms prior to a scheduled spring training start earlier this month, threw two scoreless innings in a minor league game on Sunday.

Beckett, who went 20-7 with a 3.27 ERA last season, allowed one hit and one walk while striking out three pitching for Triple-A Pawtucket against Double-A Portland.

He threw 35 pitches and faced seven batters.

Beckett felt the spasms after throwing a warmup pitch prior to a March 8 start against Florida. He immediately left the game.

The injury caused him to miss the team's trip to Japan.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)