Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey is set to enter
spring training without restrictions, while designated hitter David Ortiz
continues to recover from an injured right Achilles tendon that sidelined him
for a majority of 2012.
Lackey underwent reconstructive elbow surgery 15 months ago
and has recovered to the point where he’s entering camp without restrictions.
Lackey told reporters, including Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe, that he had
been pitching in pain for the past three seasons prior to his surgery.
Despite increasing discomfort, Lackey continued to pitch for
much of the 2011 season. When he was finally shut down and doctors took a look
at his MRI, they were surprised he was still able to pitch. For this reason he
feels the Red Sox weren’t being completely honest with him.
Still, Lackey and Boston will see if they can salvage
something of this tumultuous relationship in 2012.
Ortiz has been hitting without any issues, but he’s
continuing to take things slow when it comes to running. While he is expected
to be limited in spring training, Ortiz fully expects to be ready to go when
the regular season starts.
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