Lester gets back to .500: Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (3-3) gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings during Boston's 7-5 win over Philadelphia in an interleague game on Saturday night. Lester matched a season high with eight his allowed, but was carried by the Red Sox offense to improve to 3-0 in four career starts against the Phillies. "I didn't have my best stuff, but I tried to battle through it and keep the ball down," said Lester, who struck out only three batters and walked one. His earned-run average now stands at 3.95 on the season. (Updated 05/20/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Lester was able to improve his record to .500 for the first time this season, but his strikeout totals continue to lag. Normally among the league leaders in strikeouts, he has fanned just 37 batters in 57 innings this year. Last season, he amassed 35 strikeouts during the entire month of April and that included a start in which he failed to punch out a batter. Fantasy owners should keep him active in most formats as he remains a quality option for wins. His next start is projected for Friday against Tampa Bay -- he is 1-1 with a 5.82 ERA n three home starts this season. (Updated 05/20/2012).
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/20/2012 08:36 Top 70 starters for Week 8
A lot to take into consideration before setting your pitching staffs for Fantasy Week 8. Our Al Melchior runs through his Top 70 starting options and has all the matchups.
05/19/2012 22:50 Hot bats lead Red Sox over Phillies
David Ortiz homered, singled and drove in two runs to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 7-5 win over Philadelphia, snapping the Phillies' six-game winning streak Saturday night.
05/19/2012 20:58 Transition to rotation has included bumps (and walks), but Bard deserves a chance
Daniel Bard said he "knew it was going to be a tough transition" from the bullpen to the starting rotation, and it's starting to show. Bard has lost three of his last four starts, and his walk totals are raising some alarms. But the Red Sox seem committed to Bard in the rotation, and they should be.
05/15/2012 19:47 Dear Mr. Fantasy: What to do with Sir Albert?
Albert Pujols is a hot topic these days. Is it time to flip him for players who are actually producing? Our Scott White touches on how to approach Sir Albert and more in his latest Dear Mr. Fantasy.
Little went right for the Red Sox last September, and Jon Lester did his part to contribute to Boston's late-season woes. Lester suffered from poor command over his last six starts, walking 16 batters in 31 2/3 innings, which helped to expand his ERA to 5.40 for the season's final month. Perhaps it was due to the constant juggling of an injury-bitten rotation, but Lester was not himself for the home stretch. However, he had been in prime form for the five preceding months, striking out nearly a batter per inning and handing out free passes at a reasonable rate. While Lester's late-year struggles may plant a seed of doubt in owners' minds on Draft Day, he has been a highly consistent producer over the last four seasons. That's what owners should keep in mind, and they can trust Lester as a No. 2 starting pitcher in mixed leagues. (Updated 2/17/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start