John Lackey on DL with elbow strain

The Boston Red Sox have placed starting pitcher John Lackey on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right elbow.

“He’s been having some tugging in his elbow,” manager Terry Francona explained to reporters.  “He’s more than willing to pitch through anything. He said he’s pitched through this before, and worse. But it’s May, not September. If we don’t do something now it might not get better. We talked with the medical staff. I don’t think he’s too happy about it. He’s such a competitor. But it’s the right thing to do.”

Relief pitcher Scott Atchison was recalled to replace Lackey on the Red Sox 25-man roster.

Lackey has struggled mightily during the 2011 season.  After allowing 9 runs on 9 hits and 5 walks in his last outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, Lackey is now 2-5 with an 8.01 ERA and 1.81 WHIP this season.

In seven starts he has allowed 35 runs on 53 hits while walking 18 batters and striking out just 19.