Sun Apr 6 17:00:30 2008

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Beckett loses in season debut

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Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - The Boston Red Sox activated pitcher Josh Beckett from the 15-day disabled list Sunday.

The big leagues' only 20-game winner last season, Beckett allowed five runs on just three hits in 4 2/3 innings as the Toronto Blue Jays finished a three- game sweep of Boston by downing the Red Sox, 7-4.

Beckett was placed on the DL on March 25, retroactive to March 19, with a lower back strain. The flame-thrower was scratched from his scheduled spring training start on March 8 versus Florida after sustaining the injury while warming up.

Last season, Beckett compiled a 20-7 record with a 3.27 earned run average and 194 strikeouts in 30 starts. He also went on to win all four of his postseason starts with a 1.20 ERA.

To make room on the roster for Beckett, the Red Sox designated pitcher Kyle Snyder for assignment.