John Lackey Requires Tommy John Surgery

During his introductory press conference yesterday, new Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington announced that starting pitcher John Lackey will undergo Tommy John surgery in the near future.  Lackey believes that he is a much better pitcher than his 2011 numbers would indicate, and Cherington said that the right-hander is “excited about his future”.

At this point it’s easy to forget that, before joining the Red Sox, Lackey posted season ERA’s south of 3.85 over his final five years with the Angels.  2007 was the 33-year-old’s best showing, as Lackey went 19-9 with a 3.01 ERA and 1.210 WHIP over his 224 innings pitched for the Halos.

This track record ‘earned’ Lackey his current five year $82.5 million contract that he signed with the Red Sox in 2009.  Since then, Boston has paid Lackey $34.65 million while the righty has produced an ERA of 5.26 over 375 innings.

While 2010 got ugly, 2011 was ridiculous.  Lackey finished the year with an earned run average of 6.41, surrendering 3.2 BB/9 and 203 hits in his 160 IP.  With his lack of conditioning and the beer-and-chicken incident, not to mention his martial issues, many Red Sox fans were fed up with Lackey.

At least at this point Lackey seems to have a reason for his awful showing this season.  Lackey had an MRI performed in May and then another following the season.  He sat down with specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum who determined that surgery would be the best course of action.

While a date hasn’t been set for surgery, it is expected to happen sooner than later.  Many believe the procedure will sideline Lackey for most if not all of the 2012 season.

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