John Lackey's first start of the season, back on April 6th in Toronto, was promising at first. He had eight strikeouts before clutching at his right bicep and leaving the game. After he lost 2012 to Tommy John surgery and recovery, the last thing John Lackey wanted was to start off this clean slate with a trip to the disabled list, but that's exactly what happened.
However, the time on the DL hasn't screwed up Lackey at all, and his second start of the season was even better than the first, as he pitched six innings, giving up just one run, scattering five hits, and earning the win. Lackey even managed to pitch himself out of a bases loaded jam in the fifth inning, going beyond what was probably expected of him this afternoon.
I wrote a post during spring training predicting that Lackey would have a solid, if not spectacular season, and I stand by that. Lackey's performance this afternoon, even after a stint on the 15-day DL, was extremely encouraging. If he can continue to turn in starts approaching the quality of today's, I can really see this team going places, especially given how well the rest of the pitching staff has performed so far.
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