Friday night represented a big moment for the Sox in their return from resembling a MASH unit, however, as Beckett, Lowell and Casey all returned to the active roster in one fell swoop. While Casey didn't see any action, Beckett and Lowell both looked healthy and strong after each doing time on the 15-day disabled list. Beckett threw 80 pitches and five innings of shutout ball, and struck out seven batters while showing no signs of elbow discomfort.

Likewise, Lowell cranked a solo homer in his first at-bat on Friday night and went to collect three hits and four RBIs in his first game in nearly a month. While both players performed amazingly well and showed a lot to be encouraged about in their first games back from injury, the big key for both is to be healthy and rested as the postseason comes closer into view.

"I came out of the game healthy. That's what we were looking for," said Beckett to reporters after the game. "I thought about it before the game more than anything. It's one of those deals, you've got to go out and push through it."

RED SOX 8, RANGERS 1: Josh Beckett threw five scoreless innings in his first game back from the disabled list, and Mike Lowell totaled three hits and four RBIs in his first game back from injury as well. Red-hot Coco Crisp also collected three hits and knocked in three runs to improve Boston's record to 8-0 against the Rangers this season.

INSIDE EDGE: With the Minnesota Twins falling back away from the AL wild card race, expect the Sox to show patience in allowing proper rest for all pitchers and positional players on their roster. The Sox management team received big dividends during last year's postseason after strategically resting their players over the last month of the season, and the Sox are again in a position to set their roster up perfectly for the playoffs.