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Lackey gearing for critical starts in October
- Updated: September 22, 2016
CHICAGO — Had it been a different situation, John Lackey would’ve trotted out to pitch the eighth inning of the Cubs’ 9-2 win against the Reds on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field.
The veteran right-hander had only thrown 87 pitches after seven innings, and his stuff was even better than it was to start the game. After allowing two runs in the second, Lackey retired 15 of the next 16 batters he faced, including the last 14 in a row.
In other words, Lackey was dealing. The bullpen, however, needed some work and Lackey knew there were more meaningful starts ahead in October. So, for that reason, he was fine with it.
“I’ve only had a couple games since coming off the [disabled list], so I’m still building up a little bit,” Lackey said, after allowing two runs on five hits. “I felt like I got better tonight, as far as arm strength and that sort of thing. Should be right on time …
