Lackey surrendered seven earned runs on nine hits, lasting just 2 2/3 innings on Monday against the Blue Jays. The start continued what has been a rocky year for the 6-foot-6 right-hander, as he is 5-8 with a 7.47 ERA.
Things started off a little better in Tuesday's matchup with Toronto, as Jon Lester no-hit the Blue Jays with five strikeouts through four innings. However, Lester was hit with bad luck as he left the game after the fourth inning with a left lat strain. He got a no decision on the day despite a 3-2 Sox win.
Wednesday will see Tim Wakefield try to inch closer to the 200-win milestone. Wakefield has been stuck on career win No. 198 since June 19, as he has struggled in his last two starts, giving up five earned runs in both. Wakefield is 4-3 on the year with a 4.82 ERA. His counterpart will be Ricky Romero, who is just two starts removed from a complete game shutout against the Phillies. Romero is even at 7-7 on the year with an impressive 2.75 ERA.
After the series with Toronto wraps up on Wednesday night, the Sox will host the Orioles on Thursday for the start of a four-game set. Andrew Miller and Josh Beckett are scheduled to pitch in the series, and both are good candidates for the Amica Pitcher of the Week. Both hurlers are coming off solid performances against the 'Stros, as Beckett pitched eight innings of one-run ball while striking out 11 Astros batsmen.