The Red Sox released a statement through team spokesperson Pam Ganley that starting pitcher John Lackey “underwent successful Tommy John surgery and is resting comfortably”.
The surgery will keep Lackey out of commission through the 2012 season and possibly for some of the 2013 season as well. Â There are three years and $46 million left on his contract.
Lackey struggled for much of the 2011 season, a right elbow strain causing him to miss 21 games while on the disabled list, he ended the season with a 12-12 record and an ERA of 6.41. Â For the amount of innings he threw (160) his ERA was the highest in Red Sox team history. Â He also had his career worst season in WHIP (1.62) and strike out to walk ratio (1.93).
His poor season statistically was capped off by private issues when his impending divorce was made public and he was named as one of a group of a Red Sox players drinking beer in the clubhouse during games.
(Originally published on Examiner.com)