It's been a struggle all season for Red Sox starter John Lackey. His ERA stands at 8.01, he has just one more strikeout than he has walks, and he's allowed six or more runs in four of his seven games. So in what should come as little surprise, the Red Sox have now placed Lackey on the disabled list. Via Scott Lauber:
John Lackey Placed On DL By Red Sox With Elbow Injury
Moments before tonight’s game began here at frigid Fenway, the Red Sox announced that right-hander John Lackey has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right elbow.
Whether or not Lackey’s elbow actually hurts at all is up in the air, but just based on Lackey’s results, I don’t think anybody from the commissioner’s office is going to take too hard a look. And if his elbow really does hurt, who knows, maybe that could explain everything. Or at least some of everything.
According to Terry Francona, Lackey was working on some tweaks to his delivery over the weekend, so when he eventually makes it back, we’ll see if he’s made progress, or if he’s simply rowing in circles.
Lackey was to start against the Orioles on Tuesday, but now it's looking like Tim Wakefield will slide into his spot. Also, Lackey's place on the roster has been taken by reliever Scott Atchison, who's coming back from AAA Pawtucket. Atchison made one appearance with the Red Sox earlier this season, and has dominated with the Paw Sox, whiffing 23 against one walk in 21.2 innings.
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