Josh Beckett sharp in minor league game

PHOENIX -- Josh Beckett, throwing on a short rest, looked sharp in a four-inning effort against a team of Dodger minor leaguers Thursday.

Beckett gave up three hits -- one that never left the infield and another that bounced over the mound and into center field -- and struck out three. He threw 58 pitches and did not allow a run.

Beckett’s regular pitching day was moved up 24 hours, Manager Don Mattingly said, to get him on a more favorable schedule heading into the season.

Beckett, who has been emphasizing his off-speed pitches more this spring, threw a number of sharp breaking pitches. But he appeared to be having trouble with the grip and release point on his changeup.

Although Thursday’s outing will not count in the Cactus League stats, the four-inning outing ran the right-hander’s spring shutout streak to nine innings.

He is the only Dodger starter who has yet to allow a run this spring.

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