John Lackey isn’t one of the Red Sox’ All-Stars. But the big righty can give them a charge today, as the break nears.
Coming off a strong outing against Philadelphia, Lackey is on the mound
for the Sox’ holiday matinee against Toronto at Fenway Park (1:35 p.m.,
NESN, WEEI). The sub-.500 Blue Jays will oppose him with Brandon Morrow.
Lackey threw 7 2/3 innings of two-run ball in a 2-1 loss at Philadelphia
on June 29. It was a rare positive in a disappointing 2011 that’s seen him post a 6.81 ERA.
Morrow is 4-4 with a 4.56 ERA — more than two runs better than Lackey’s.
Boston is coming off a nine-game interleague swing through Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Houston. They went 5-4 on the trip, and have won their last four — including a sweep of the hapless Astros.
