KANSAS CITY -- Josh Beckett threw a side session Monday at Kauffman Stadium and is on track to make his return to the rotation when the Red Sox return to Fenway Thursday.
Beckett skipped his last start last Saturday after experiencing some discomfort in his lat muscle.
"He said he was fine and ready to go," said Bobby Valentine.
Asked if he could treat Beckett's outing as a regular start with no restrictions, the manager responded: "It seems like it's a regular start unless I'm told differently."
Valentine was asked if Beckett might have been available in Sunday's 17-inning marathon.
"Bob (McClure) was taking roll call," said Valentine. "I made a call to the bullpen. The only starter I talked to personally was (Jon Lester). He was more than willing but he had thrown his bullpen (side session) that day."