Josh

Beckett

The blister is in the same area -- the right middle finger -- that landed Beckett on the DL three times last season. Beckett was none too happy about being skipped, saying: ''I’m the only guy in the league who is perfectly fine and they won’t let pitch.’'

A precautionary MRI was negative. We’re just glad the luggage didn’t leave him with a blister.

''No pain, everything felt good,’' he said after the workout. Beckett is at least two and probably three weeks away.

Beckett is expected back by mid-June. The Marlins will have to choose between Dontrelle Willis and Tommy Phelps at that time.

Beckett had been expected to return from a sprained elbow around the middle of the month. He threw a 22-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and said he felt good, and thinks he can come back sooner than McKeon projects. He probably can, but we like McKeon’s decision to be patient, which he can afford since Dontrelle Willis and Tommy Phelps have been effective.

Since the Marlins would still left with the problem of finding a Game 7 starter -- Carl Pavano was worked too hard last night for him to be much of an option -- bringing back Beckett on short rest wouldn’t make any sense. Mark Redman is still the favorite to start Saturday’s Game 6.

If all of Cuba’s players were suddenly to become available to MLB teams, Rodriguez would probably get the biggest contract, or at least he would have before his recent arm problems. The 24-year-old right-hander tops out in high 90s and holds the single-season strikeout record in Cuba. He says he’s healthy now, but reports this summer had his fastball in the mid-80s. Dueñas, 31, is past his prime and probably would only be looked at as someone who could compete for a job. The two players have signed with a Miami-based agent, so the Marlins could be candidates for their services. The large-market teams will certainly go after Rodriguez if he shows he’s healthy. Keeper leaguers should stash him away ASAP.

With A.J. Burnett likely to miss a start or two and Brad Penny beginning the year suspended, the Marlins will turn to their third starter initially. He will be followed by Mark Redman, Carl Pavano and Michael Tejera.

Beckett (sprained right elbow) did surrender a two-run homer. He is expected to come off the DL Tuesday to start against the Braves.

Beckett will make his first rehab start with Single-A Jupiter today after his previous two attempts were rained out.