Sox Activate Lackey

Starter John Lackey has returned to the Red Sox, taking the hill today against the Oakland A’s.

Lackey was placed on the disabled list May 16th, retroactive to the 12th, due to a strained right elbow.  The starter was not happy about the move, but Boston hoped some time off would allow Lackey to improve on his horrendous 2011 season.

The righty carried an ERA of 8.01 with him to the DL, thanks in part to his two starts before the injury in which he gave up a combined 17 earned runs.

Lackey last pitched Tuesday night in his only rehab start with the Sox AAA squad.  He lasted 5.2 innings while throwing 63 pitches.

Boston’s top 3 have been solid, but they are looking for more consistency from their 4and 5 starters.  Tim Wakefield has done alright as a replacement, but he’s 44.  And the Red Sox announced they will be without Daisuke Matsuzaka for the remainder of the year.