by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (3:55 pm ET) Even though John Lackey is coming off a strong seven-inning start for the Red Sox against the Orioles, he finds himself as the eighth-most dropped starting pitcher in CBSSports.com leagues. Many of his owners likely picked him up for the two starts he made in Fantasy Week 11, but Lackey is good enough that they should also let him stick around for his one start in Fantasy Week 12 (June 17-23).
Lackey is throwing strikes at his highest rate since 2008, and according to BrooksBaseball.net, he is getting grounders at a much higher rate on his four-seam fastball, which helps to account for his 52 percent overall ground ball rate and .398 opponents' slugging percentage. Even if Lackey doesn't continue to limit extra-base hits, it's good to see him back to commanding the strike zone like he did in his Angels days.
There are likely to be weeks where you can find better options for your rotation than Lackey, but at this point, he's a must-start in two-start weeks and a viable alternative in many one-start weeks. That includes this week, even with a tough matchup against the Tigers.
John Lackey back on track
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (6/15/2013) Red Sox pitcher John Lackey (4-5) bounced back with a quality start and earn his fourth Saturday afternoon against the Orioles. Lackey surrendered two runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four in seven innings of a 5-4 win.
Lackey has allowed 10 runs combined over his last four starts (24 2/3 innings). He is scheduled to start Thursday at Detroit. He has not faced the Tigers since 2011.
John Lackey moved up to Saturday
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (6/12/2013) Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey had his next start moved up from Sunday to Saturday against the Orioles, as the Red Sox continue to hope Clay Buchholz can return to the rotation Sunday.
Lackey gave up four earned runs in 5 2/3 innings of work in his last start, raising his ERA to 3.14. He has yet to face Baltimore this season.
John Lackey can't hold Rays down
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (6/10/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey did not pitch very well Monday at Tampa Bay. Despite getting six runs of support before he even took the mound, Lackey had to settle for a no-decision.
Lackey left after 5 2/3 innings with the score 6-4 Boston and the bullpen gave up the rest of the runs as Tampa Bay tied the score at six in the bottom of the eighth inning.
He gave up four earned runs on 10 hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings with two strikeouts. Lackey allowed two solo homers to Matt Joyce and Evan Longoria in the first inning. Lackey hit Joyce on the back before leaving the game in the sixth and both benches cleared without anyone getting ejected. His ERA is now at 3.14.
The 34-year-old veteran had given up just four earned runs over his previous four starts spanning 25 innings. It took him less than six to give up four more Monday. Lackey will look to have a more steady performance when he next starts Sunday at Baltimore.
John Lackey settles for no-decision
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (6/5/2013) Boston starter John Lackey was sharp for the Red Sox Wednesday at home against the Rangers. The veteran could have been more economical, but still allowed just one run over six innings.
Lackey settled for a no-decision as his bullpen allowed the Rangers to take a lead after he left. The starter allowed one run on five hits and no walks over six innings with five strikeouts. His only mistake was allowing a solo homer to Adrian Beltre in the fourth inning with two outs.
Lackey needed 108 pitches to go six frames, but has a solid 2.79 ERA after nine outings. He's been excellent of late with four earned runs allowed over his last 29 1/3 innings. Lackey will look to keep that up in his next start Monday at Tampa Bay.
John Lackey quality in losing decision
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/29/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey was solid once again Wednesday in Philadelphia. He just wasn't good enough to avoid taking the loss.
Lackey fell to 3-5 with a 2.96 ERA as he allowed three earned runs over six innings in a quality start. He gave up six hits and walked three with five strikeouts. He was done in by the long ball as the Phillies homered three times off him, once in the second and twice in the fourth.
The 34-year-old is 2-1 over his last three outings with three runs allowed over a span of 19 innings with 18 Ks. He's pitching well and his next start is scheduled for Tuesday against Texas.
John Lackey has second-straight impressive outing
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/24/2013) Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey holding Indians to an unearned run on two hits and three walks in seven innings while striking out eight Friday.
Lackey has given up three hits, three walks and no earned runs in 13 innings over his last two starts to give him a 3-4 record and 2.72 ERA. His next start is on the road against the Phillies Wednesday.
John Lackey picks up 130th career win
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/19/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey earned his 130th career victory on Sunday in Minnesota. Lackey left after six innings and 84 pitches as the game went into a rain delay, but the Red Sox held on for his win.
Lackey improved to 2-4 on the year with a 3.31 ERA as he allowed just one unearned run on one hit and no walks over six innings. He struck out five and 50 of his 84 pitches went for strikes. The only run Lackey allowed came in the fifth inning on Chris Parmelee's fielder's choice ground ball that scored on a throwing error.
The 34-year-old Lackey snapped a three-start losing streak as he was searching for that elusive 130th career win. Still, he's not been pitching poorly as evidenced by his ERA and he was excellent on Sunday.
Lackey makes his next scheduled start Friday against Cleveland.
John Lackey can't win in 300th appearance
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/14/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey made his 300th major-league appearance on Tuesday night in Tampa Bay, but he couldn't earn his 130th career victory.
Lackey had a 3-0 lead after the first inning when David Ortiz hit a three-run blast. Lackey cruised until the fourth inning when he allowed Tampa to score five runs. He suffered the defeat to fall to 1-4 with a 4.05 ERA.
Lackey allowed five earned runs on nine hits and a walk and lasted only 4 1/3 innings. Lackey, who struck out three, has dropped three consecutive decisions for Boston. Still, Tuesday's was his first outing allowing more than three earned runs, so he should be able to bounce back.
The 34-year-old is next scheduled to start Sunday at Minnesota.
John Lackey drops third decision
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) Red Sox pitcher John Lackey struck out eight but blew a two-run lead as he suffered his third loss of the season Thursday night against the Twins.
Lackey (1-3), who made his fourth start of the season, gave up a run-scoring double to Aaron Hicks in the fifth and four runs in the sixth, including a two-run home run to Oswaldo Arcia. The right-hander was charged with five runs -- one earned -- and six hits over seven innings in a 5-3 defeat. He walked one on 102 pitches, 74 for strikes.
Lackey has struck out eight in two of his first four starts. He has also served up a home run in three of his first four starts. The 34-year-old veteran will start Tuesday at Tampa Bay. He went 1-2 with a 6.46 ERA in three starts against the Rays in 2011.
John Lackey takes second loss
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Red Sox pitcher John Lackey took his second loss Saturday night against the Rangers. He allowed three runs on six hits over five innings in the 5-1 defeat.
The right-hander surrendered a home run on his first pitch of the game to Ian Kinsler, then allowed two runs in the fourth. He threw 61 of his 98 pitches for strikes and saw his ERA rise from 2.61 to 3.52. Lackey (1-2) struck out four and walked three.
His next start is scheduled for Thursday against the Twins.
John Lackey a winner in return to mound
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey gave up an RBI single to Ronny Cedeno in the first inning of Sunday's start against the Astros. That was all he would allow over six fantastic innings.
Returning from a scary biceps injury, Lackey made his first real full start of the season and held the Astros to just one earned run on five hits and two walks over six solid frames. He was expected to be limited to five innings, but he needed only 81 pitches to finish six in the victory.
Lackey (1-1) loaded the bases in the sixth, but got out of it with a strikeout and a ground out to finish his afternoon. He struck out four and his ERA is at 2.61. Lackey left his first outing after allowing two runs over 4 1/3 innings against the Blue Jays back on April 6.
The 34-year-old Boston starter certainly looked ready to string together some solid starts. He'll look to make it two consecutive solid outings when he next takes the hill Saturday at Texas.
John Lackey activated for Sunday start
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) The Red Sox activated starting pitcher John Lackey off the 15-day disabled list Sunday. Lackey, who is coming off a biceps injury, is making Sunday's start against Houston.
Lackey made his last rehab appearance with Double-A Portland and threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and walked two with five strikeouts.
Does John Lackey warrant a preemptive add?
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/26/2013) I know from some of the questions we get through various media here at CBSSports.com that a large contingent of Fantasy owners are able to debate whether to own A.J. Griffin or Ervin Santana without having to dig any deeper. They should probably just sit this one out.
But in leagues where Mark Buehrle is still considered a viable stash, John Lackey's return Sunday should attract some attention. After missing all of 2012 because of Tommy John surgery, he got some buzz with his performance this spring, and he struck out eight over 4 1/3 innings in his season debut before going down with a strained biceps.
Yes, Lackey was awful in his first two years with the Red Sox, but knowing his elbow was at less than full capacity for at least the second of those years should give you some hope he can recapture his Angels form. Or at least something close to it.
If he strikes out more than a batter per inning Sunday, you'll have some competition for him on the waiver wire. Why not pick him up now if you have a roster spot to play with, see how he does Sunday, and then decide how to proceed?
John Lackey officially named starter Sunday
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) The Red Sox have named John Lackey their starter for Sunday's game against Houston, MLB.com reports.
Lackey has been working back from a right biceps strain suffered in his first start April 6 against Toronto. Lackey was sharp prior to the injury -- he allowed two runs on five hits and a walk and struck out eight batters over 4.1 innings. Houston gives him a favorable matchup in his return attempt.
John Lackey expected to be activated Sunday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/25/2013) Red Sox manager John Farrell said starting pitcher John Lackey (biceps) completed his bullpen session Thursday and all signs point to a return to the rotation Sunday against the Astros. Lackey made a rehab start for Double-A Portland Monday, allowing three hits and two walks in 3 2/3 scoreless innings.
Red Sox waiting to make decision on John Lackey
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/24/2013) Red Sox manager John Farrell said he will wait until after John Lackey's bullpen session Thursday to make a decision about his starter for Sunday's game vs. Houston. If Lackey (biceps) isn't ready to come off the disabled list, then Farrell named Alfredo Aceves and Allen Webster as potential candidates to start Sunday.
Lackey made a rehab start for Double-A Portland Monday. He allowed three hits and two wlaks in 3 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out five.
Farrell: John Lackey likely for Sunday
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey is expected to make his a start for Boston, the Boston Herald reported Tuesday.
Manager John Farrell said Lackey will likely start Sunday against Houston. Lackey had no issues with his right biceps strain during his rehab start with Double-A Portland Monday.
Lackey did say he wasn't 100 percent pain free following the rehab outing, though he said that was to be expected and was manageable.
Lackey will throw a bullpen session Thursday for his final test before he'd return to the rotation Sunday.
John Lackey to throw bullpen Thursday, could start Sunday
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Red Sox pitcher John Lackey will throw a bullpen session Thursday.
If that goes well, Lackey could start in the majors Sunday. Lackey has been out with a biceps injury and has only made one start with the Red Sox this season.
Lackey: 'It's not 100 percent'
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/22/2013) Red Sox rehabbing starter John Lackey, who tossed 3 2/3 shutout innings for Double-A Portland Monday, said he wasn't 100 percent following his start, WEEI.com reports. That said, Lackey believes he'll be fine to move forward.
"It’s not 100 percent. There’s still a little bit of something there. But I think five more days of treatment, that should be fine," Lackey told reporters in Portland. "I was really just concentrating on feeling good mechanically and locating the ball. I didn’t really cut it loose very often — most of the time, just trying to locate the ball, get some grounders, come out of it feeling good. … If I feel pretty good tomorrow, I’m probably done. Probably heading back [to the big leagues]."
John Lackey's rehab outing goes well
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/22/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey made his first rehab start Monday since suffering a biceps injury on April 6 in Toronto, the Boston Herald reports.
Lackey, pitching for Double-A Portland, yielded three hits and two walks over 3 2/3 scoreless innings. He struck out five and threw 67 pitches.
Eligible to come off the disabled list already, Lackey could make his next appearance for Boston soon, though that has yet to be determined by manager John Farrell. Lackey would be in line to pitch again either Saturday or Sunday against the Astros.
John Lackey has rehab outing set
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Red Sox manager John Farrell said Sunday that injured starter John Lackey (triceps) will pitch for Double-A Portland Monday, WEEI.com reports. Lackey is expected to go four innings and approximately 65 pitches.
Farrell said if all goes well with that outing, Lackey could return to the Boston rotation by next Saturday.
John Lackey to make rehab start Monday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/18/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey, on the 15-day disabled list with a triceps injury, continues to make progress as he completed a short bullpen Thursday without any pain. He is scheduled to make a minor-league rehab start Monday with Double-A Portland, according to the Providence Journal.
Lackey could be activated off the disabled list soon after his rehab start.
John Lackey making 'very good progress'
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) Red Sox manager John Farrell said Wednesday starting pitcher John Lackey (biceps) has made it through long toss for two straight days without discomfort, WEEI.com reports.
The right-hander is expected to throw off the mound for a "short" bullpen session Thursday. Farrell said Lackey would likely need one rehab start before he's brought off the disabled list.
John Lackey throws without issue
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/16/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey (biceps) resumed his throwing program, as expected, Tuesday, MassLive.com reports. He did not have any issues.
"Threw out to 120 feet today with no complaints of any kind," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "Probably a little bit more aggressive than he first anticipated. I think that’s a clear sign that he feels good about where he is physically."
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (biceps) will resume his throwing program Tuesday, according to WEEI.com. The tightness in Lackey's arm that halted his throwing session last Monday has subsided.
John Lackey will try playing catch
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) Red Sox pitcher John Lackey, who was shelved due to tightness in his biceps he experienced when throwing Tuesday, will attempt to play catch again within the next few days, the Boston Herald reports Saturday.
If Lackey can get through the catch session OK, he'd certainly need to go out on a rehab assignment before returning to Boston's rotation.
Tightness led to John Lackey's DL stint
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Red Sox manager John Farrell said during a radio interview with WEEI Wednesday starting pitcher John Lackey felt some tightness in his biceps when throwing Tuesday, which led to the team putting him on the 15-day disabled list.
John Lackey takes trip to DL
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) The Red Sox placed starting pitcher John Lackey on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of a right biceps strain. The move was retroactive to April 7.
Alfredo Aceves has already been tabbed to replace Lackey in the rotation, starting Thursday against the Orioles.
Red Sox alter rotation plans
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) The Red Sox announced Wednesday starting pitcher John Lackey (biceps) was officially scratched from Thursday's start against the Orioles. But instead of moving everyone up in the rotation as initially planned, Alfredo Aceves is scheduled to pitch Thursday for Boston.
Therefore, the rest of the Red Sox rotation will be bumped back. Felix Doubront, who was scheduled to pitch Thursday, will now open Friday's series against Tampa Bay. He will be followed by Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz.
Second opinion positive for John Lackey
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/9/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey obtained a second opinion Monday for his injured right biceps, WEEI.com reported Tuesday. The prognosis was positive.
Lackey is expected to miss his next turn in the rotation, originally scheduled for Friday against Tampa Bay. Alfredo Aceves may make a spot start Sunday against the Rays at Fenway Park.
Boston skipper John Farrell said Monday that there was no tear in Lackey's biceps and he could return to make a start in his next turn through the rotation.
Boston holding off on John Lackey DL decision
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/8/2013) Red Sox manager John Farrell said the MRI on starting pitcher John Lackey's bicep "showed some inflammation," but there "has not been any indication of a tear." Farrell added there's been no decision on putting Lackey on the disabled list because the team doesn't need a fifth starter until Sunday against the Rays.
Farrell didn't indicate who might replace Lackey Sunday, but he said Franklin Morales (back) is not an option.
John Lackey to miss a couple of starts
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/8/2013) Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino expressed optimism Monday about the status of starting pitcher John Lackey, who left his start Saturday against the Blue Jays with a biceps injury.
"My information is incomplete, but my understanding of the MRI is that he had a mid-biceps strain, no structural damage,” Lucchino said during a radio interview with WEEI. "If you watched it you couldn’t help but feel really sad and sorry for John Lackey -- who, by the way, is a very good guy. I know the public perception of him may be different than that, but he is a great teammate. His teammates really care about him. You saw evidence of that yesterday in the way they reacted to his injury. So, we’re going to have to wait and see. I think he's certainly going to miss a start or two, I'm told. Let's hope it’s not much more than that."
The Red Sox haven't named any potential replacements in the rotation for Lackey. However, Alfredo Aceves came out of the bullpen to toss 3 2/3 innings after Lackey left Saturday's outings, and starters on the 40-man roster at Triple-A Pawtucket include Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster and Steven Wright.
Initial tests positive for John Lackey
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Red Sox manager John Farrell said initial tests on injured starter John Lackey came back positive, reports the Boston Globe. Lackey will undergo an MRI Sunday.
Lackey, who left Saturday's start against the Blue Jays with an elbow strain, took the loss on the outing and is 0-1 on the season.
The starter is likely to have to miss his next scheduled start coming Friday against Tampa Bay but more will be known after the MRI.
Report: John Lackey diagnosed with biceps strain
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey has been diagnosed with a right biceps strain after leaving Saturday's start against Toronto, reports the Boston Globe.
The Globe suggests that a "strain" can mean most anything and the severity of Lackey's injury is unknown. That said, this is obviously better news than if the injury was to Lackey's elbow again.
Lackey is expected to be checked on by a doctor and an MRI also is likley.
John Lackey hurts pitching arm in season debut
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey, who last pitched in the majors in 2011 and was finally back from Tommy John surgery, had to leave his first start of the season Saturday in Toronto with an issue with his pitching arm.
Lackey, who was cruising until the point of his injury, appeared to be in immediate pain after a 2-2 pitch to Jose Reyes in the fifth inning. He grabbed his arm after throwing the pitch and clutched his elbow. He appeared to be holding his biceps, reports the Boston Globe, and his arm dangled at his side as he walked off the field.
Replaced by Alfredo Aceves, Lackey left after allowing two earned runs on five hits and a walk over 4 1/3 innings. He had struck out eight to that point with only a two-run home run to J.P. Arencibia given up. Aceves' first pitch resulted in a walk of Reyes that was charged to Lackey.
Lackey, who was losing 2-0 when he left the game, will be highly doubtful to make his next scheduled start set for Friday against Tampa Bay.
John Lackey displaying better velocity
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/31/2013) Boston starter John Lackey threw during an intrasquad game on Sunday at spring training, reports the Boston Globe. His velocity was up to 92-93 as he has seen it rise with the spring.
Lackey is expected to take the ball next Saturday for the Red Sox in Toronto in the team's fifth game of the season.
The veteran went 2-0 this spring with a 5.40 ERA over four starts with five strikeouts over 11 2/3 innings.
John Lackey works in minor-league game
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey got his final tuneup before opening day in a minor-league game, reports the Boston Herald.
Lackey went 5 1/3 innings and threw 101 pitches. He allowed seven hits, four walks and struck out seven. Lackey is 2-0 in Grapefruit League play this spring with a 5.40 ERA over 11 2/3 innings. He last pitched in the majors in 2011 with Boston and went 12-12 with a 6.41 ERA. Lackey figures to start the season as the No. 5 starter for the Red Sox.
John Lackey holds Phillies to one run
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) Red Sox pitcher John Lackey turned in a fine start against the Phillies Thursday, holding the opposition to one earned run on four hits and no walks in five innings, striking out one batter. He lowered his spring ERA to 5.40 in his best appearance this spring.
"I felt good with the ball being on the ground a lot," Lackey told MLB.com. "It was a good sign for me. I'm still throwing a majority fastballs, trying to build my arm strength up. It was nice."
Lackey continues working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which cost him the 2012 season.
John Lackey pitches well against minor leaguers
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/16/2013) Red Sox starter John Lackey pitched against Tampa Bay minor leaguers on Saturday and unofficially threw 82 pitches. He allowed one run on four hits and two walks over five innings with five strikeouts.
Lackey has made three Grapefruit League starts this spring and has given up six runs over 6 2/3 innings for an ERA of 8.10 with four strikeouts. He improved against the Rays' minor leaguers on Saturday. Lackey figures to be in the Boston rotation if the season started today.
Lackey makes lasting impression
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/10/2013) Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey was charged with two runs and four hits in 3 2/3 innings during Boston's Grapefruit League contest against Tampa Bay on Sunday. Lackey, who was making his third start of the spring in his return from Tommy John surgery, notched two strikeouts and a walk during his longest outing to date. It was the second straight outing he permitted multiple runs, but he did show better control and did not hit a batter for the first time. "It’s definitely still coming. It’s not there yet. But I’ve been around the zone. It’s still a work in progress," Lackey said. "I got several ground balls when I was trying to."
Lackey scoreless against P.R.
(3/5/2013) Red Sox pitcher John Lackey received the start against Team Puerto Rico on Tuesday night and was very sharp. He gave up three hits over three scoreless innings. Lackey, who threw 45 pitches, also struck out two without issuing a walk. "I felt really good tonight," Lackey told MLB.com. "It was a really good day in the process. I felt like my arm strength's getting better. It feels like it's getting better each time out."
Lackey sees spring ERA rise
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/28/2013) Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey ran into some trouble on the mound during his second spring start Thursday against the Pirates. After a scoreless first inning, Lackey was tagged for three runs in the second inning. He allowed the first two runners to reach base by singles before Jared Goedert unloaded on a three-run homer. Lackey bounced back to get out of the inning, but his day was done after two frames. Lackey was charged with three runs on three hits and one walk. He struck out one. Lackey's spring ERA went from 9.00 to 12.00. "It’s a process, I added a couple of breaking balls today, threw a couple good ones, hung a couple -- good stuff in the right direction,'' Lackey said, per the Boston Herald. "I located my fastball a lot better, I was down in the zone a lot better, I incorporated a few breaking balls for the first time. It was kind of a normal spring training game, for sure.''
Lackey takes mound for Boston
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (2/23/2013) Boston starting pitcher John Lackey took the mound Saturday in Grapefruit League action against Tampa Bay. It was the first time he had pitched since Sept. 25, 2011 before he underwent Tommy John surgery. Lackey loaded the bases in his only inning of work and gave up just one run before getting three outs. He threw 20 pitches and 10 were strikes. He settled in after the first three batters. "It was fun," said the pitcher. "I missed playing baseball for sure. It was good to be back out there. The arm felt fine. I didn't feel any pain in the elbow. Just keep moving forward.”
Lackey has plan mapped out
(2/19/2013) Red Sox manager John Farrell told MLB.com on Tuesday that pitcher John Lackey will start Saturday's Grapefruit League opener Saturday against the Rays. Lackey, who missed all of 2012 due to Tommy John surgery, will pitch one inning against Tampa Bay before picking up his throwing. "He'll be on a five-day rotation from there, and continue to add 15-18 pitches per outing or one additional inning," Farrell said. "It starts on Saturday."
Lackey free and easy in bullpens
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (2/13/2013) Boston starter John Lackey is in excellent physical shape as spring begins, reports MLB.com Wednesday. Lackey has lost 17 pounds, according to skipper John Farrell. Lackey, who missed all of last year due to Tommy John surgery, has been sharp in early bullpens. "A good work day today," Farrell said. "Freeness in his delivery, freeness in his arm, staying behind the ball, repeating his delivery, all the things we're looking for right now, he did them quite well. He's in great condition, so the 35-pitch bullpen [session] was not really taxing for him. As he's gone through the physicals and the strength testing of the shoulder, all those are consistent. He's more athletic. He has more ability to repeat his delivery, and, honestly, he feels pretty darn good about himself."
Farrell: Lackey looks great
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (2/1/2013) Red Sox manager John Farrell, on a road trip visiting most of his pitchers, told WEEI on Thursday that he thinks John Lackey -- who missed all of 2012 after undergoing Tommy John surgery -- could have, "as big an impact on our club as anyone on our roster." Farrell said that Lackey looks great, has lost 12 pounds and "re-shaped" his body. He also noted that, "his arm was loose."
