FORT MYERS, Fla.Red Sox manager John Farrell has been pleased with what he's seen from right-hander John Lackey, who is returning from Tommy John surgery in November 2011.
A good work day today, Farrell said. Freeness in his delivery, freeness in his arm. Staying behind the ball, repeating his delivery all the things that were looking for right now he did them very well. Hes in great condition so a 35-pitch bullpen was not really taxing for him. So, all in all, as each pitchers gotten to the mound its been good.
Lackey has lost a significant amount of weight. Asked by a reporter about the drop from Lackeys lumpy body, Farrell jokingly replied, Well, he smoothed the lumps out.
But that much of a weight loss could possibly affect a pitchers effectiveness on the mound. For Farrell, that is not a concern right now.
You think of a guy thats probably dropped 17 pounds from where he was a year ago, Farrell said. And until we get into games well find out if there have been strength losses. My guess is at this point thats not the case because as hes gone through his physicals and the strength testing the shoulder, all those are consistent. So more athletic, more ability to repeat his delivery. So honestly he feels pretty darn good about himself. Hes in a good frame of mind.