Source: Lackey DL stint won't affect option

According to a source familiar with the situation, the Red Sox club option on John Lackey for 2015 won't be affected by the pitcher's trip to the 15-day disabled list. Lackey's current deal includes a clause which states that if the righty misses a significant time due to a pre-existing right elbow injury the team option drops to the Major League minimum salary for the '15 season.

The source indicated that Lackey would have to miss somewhere in the vicinity of the rest of the season for the option to be affected.

Lackey, who was placed on the disabled list prior to the Red Sox' series-opening game against the Orioles Monday night, had missed the beginning of the 2009 season due to elbow tightness. He was, however, seen playing catch with teammate Jon Lester prior to the Sox' meeting with the O's, and hadn't experienced any physical problems since arriving with the Red Sox in '10.

A major league source told WEEI.com following the '09 season that the Mets -- who had interest in Lackey when he was a free agent -- had more concerns regarding the pitcher's health over the length of a multi-year contract than they did in regard to outfielder Jason Bay, whom New York ended up signing to a four-year deal. Since joining the Sox, however, Lackey has made 40 starts, while pitching 254 1/3 innings, second-most on the team in both categories.

The Red Sox inked Lackey to a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the '15 club option prior to the '10 season.

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