John Lackey, sidelined for the entire season 2012 to date after undergoing Tommy John surgery last October, took a step towards returning to the mound on Saturday, throwing live batting practice for the first time since his elbow surgery.
"[It was] the first step in a new world for him after a real hard summer of rehab," manager Bobby Valentine said. "Better than how he looked is how he felt. He said he felt great afterwards, and that's what's really important." (via WEEI)
Lackey signed a five-year deal with the Red Sox before the 2010 season, but has been a disappointment ever since. Lackey was 14-11 with a 4.40 ERA and 156 strikeouts in his first season with the team and went 12-12 with a 6.41 ERA the next season. Lackey has a lifetime record of 128-94 with a career ERA of 4.10.
For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.