Boston, MA – Newly-appointed Boston general manager Ben Cherington announced during his introductory press conference on Tuesday that starting pitcher John Lackey will undergo Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2012 season.
Lackey finished 2011 with a 12-12 record and a 6.41 earned run average. The right-hander went 0-2 with a 9.13 ERA in five September outings. He was later named as one of the three starters alleged to have consumed beer in the clubhouse during games.
"He knows he's a much better pitcher than he showed in 2011," Cherington said. "We believe he's a much better pitcher and we're looking forward to have him on the staff in 2013."
The 33-year-old signed a five-year contract as a free agent with the Red Sox in December, 2009.
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