Swisher, Giambi Believe Lackey Is Back On Track
John Lackey has been a disappointment since the Red Sox signed him away from the Angels a few years ago, but he may finally be rounding back into form.
Lackey pitched seven innings of two-hit ball against the Indians on Friday night, limiting Nick Swisher and Jason Giambi.
Swisher has more at-bats against Lackey than any other pitcher in his career and Giambi entered the game with a .341 lifetime average against the right-hander in 51 plate appearances.
"Back then, he had 96, 97 (mph) in the tank," Swisher said of Lackey earlier in his career. "He ain't got that no more. But the one thing he had going for him tonight was location. You've got to tip your cap, man. We've got a pretty good offense over here and we couldn't get nothing going tonight."
Lackey is 3-4 this season with a 2.72 ERA.
"What's he pitching in, the fourth or fifth spot?" Giambi said. "When you're talking about that caliber guy there, (the rotation) just gets longer, and then you're tougher to beat. You can tell he feels healthy. Every single night, with their offense, he gives them a chance."