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John Lackey | Starting Pitcher | #41

Team: Chicago Cubs
Age / DOB:  (39) / 10/23/1978
Ht / Wt:  6'6" / 235
Bats / Throws: Right / Right
College: Grayson County (TX) CC
Drafted: 1999 / Rd. 2 (0) / LAA
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Latest News

Recent News

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Diamondbacks made a minor league contract offer to John Lackey.
Lackey passed on the deal, with no guarantees of making the MLB roster and being a part of the Arizona rotation. As Nightengale notes, the Diamondbacks signed Lackey's friend Clay Buchholz to a similar deal this spring, and for the most part, the right-hander has pitched well for Arizona. Lackey is not retired, but it's very unlikely we see him pitch for anyone in the 2018 season. Jun 13 - 10:58 PM
Source: USA Today

Highest Searched Players over the last 7 days


Player News

Date:
John Lackey - S - Cubs

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer hasn't ruled out the possibility of John Lackey returning to the team next season.

"It's certainly something we're going to talk about," said Hoyer. Jon Lester hinted toward the end of the regular season that Lackey could be retiring, but he's not ready to walk away just yet. The 39-year-old posted a 4.59 ERA and 149/53 K/BB ratio over 170 2/3 innings this season. The Cubs are expected to be in the market for starting pitching this offseason, so they are willing to be flexible here.
Source: Jesse Rogers on Twitter
Tue, Nov 14, 2017 04:14:00 PM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

Sources tell Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports that free agent John Lackey intends to pitch in 2018.

Cubs teammate Jon Lester hinted toward the end of the regular season that 2017 would likely be Lackey's final year, but the veteran right-hander apparently isn't quite ready to hang it up. Lackey, 39, registered a 4.59 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 149/53 K/BB ratio across 170 2/3 innings this summer with Chicago before being relegated to long relief duties during the postseason. He's earned more than $140 million in his 15-year major league career, so he'll probably care more about joining a contender than seeking the richest contract possible. It'll probably be a one-year deal wherever he lands.
Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter
Tue, Nov 7, 2017 07:44:00 PM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey will likely pitch out of the Cubs' bullpen in the NLDS.

Kyle Hendricks is starting Game 1 against the Nationals, with Jon Lester scheduled for Game 2, Jose Quintana lined up for Game 3, and Jake Arrieta (hamstring) on tap for a potential Game 4. There's a slight chance Lackey could be called into action to start Game 4 if Arrieta isn't healthy enough, but the best bet is we see him in long relief at some point before then.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Thu, Oct 5, 2017 08:41:00 AM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey took a loss in relief after allowing a run in an inning Sunday against the Reds.

It was Lackey's second regular-season relief appearance, the other coming way back in 2004. He has pitched in relief three times in the postseason, including in the 2013 World Series with Boston. The Cubs have yet to announce how he'll be used this month. He is open to working out of the pen.
Sun, Oct 1, 2017 06:12:00 PM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

Jon Lester hinted Wednesday night that John Lackey might be retiring after this season.

Lester gave a toast to Lackey during the Cubs' celebration of the National League Central crown and it includes these remarks: "He’s one of the best teammates, one of the best people, I’ve ever got to play with. Tonight was probably his last regular-season start. Here’s to one hell of a career!" Lackey will turn 39 years old on October 23 and he's in the final year of a two-year, $32 million deal with the Cubs, so it stands to reason that this really might be it.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Thu, Sep 28, 2017 12:53:00 PM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey allowed just one run in six innings and claimed a 5-1 win over the Cardinals on Wednesday.

He beat his former team to help his current team clinch the tough National League Central Division title for the second year in a row. He gave up a run in the first inning but surrendered just two hits and two walks while striking out three on the night. He left the game trailing 1-0 but the Cubs piled on five runs in the top of the seventh to reward Lackey with the win for his fine efforts. The 38-year-old veteran ends his regular season with a winning 12-11 record and 4.56 ERA in 30 starts.
Wed, Sep 27, 2017 10:58:00 PM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey yielded three runs over four innings in a no-decision against the Brewers on Friday.

Lackey gave up six hits, including two more homers. He has now allowed 36 homers on the year, tied with Boston’s Rick Porcello for the major league lead. The veteran right-hander has disappointed with a 4.67 ERA across 29 starts this season.
Sat, Sep 23, 2017 12:56:00 AM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey was ejected from Friday's game against the Cardinals following an argument with home plate umpire Jordan Baker.

Lackey was incensed over a pitch to Carlos Martinez in the top of the fifth inning that was called a ball but should have been strike three. After Martinez promptly delivered an RBI single on the next offering, Lackey lost it on Baker and was ejected. Lackey might be fined, but a suspension seems unlikely. He was charged with two runs on three hits and two walks over 4 2/3 frames before getting the heave ho.
Source: Jesse Rogers on Twitter
Fri, Sep 15, 2017 03:50:00 PM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey gave up two runs over seven innings in a loss to the Brewers on Friday.

Lackey gave up a two-run homer to Ryan Braun in the first inning, but he settled down from there. However, the Cubs failed to put up any offense against Jimmy Nelson and the Brewers’ bullpen. Lackey fanned nine and walked two (one intentional) in the loss. He leads the NL with 33 homers allowed and owns a disappointing 4.65 ERA through 27 starts on the year.
Sat, Sep 9, 2017 12:18:00 AM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey was outstanding in Friday's victory over the Braves, scattering three hits over seven shutout innings.

Lackey racked up five strikeouts on the afternoon and didn't walk a batter. It was a much-needed strong start for the veteran right-hander after he was knocked around in each of his previous two outings. He'll look to further improve upon his 4.74 ERA and 1.30 WHIP when he takes on the Pirates in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
Fri, Sep 1, 2017 07:30:00 PM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey gave up five runs -- four earned -- over five innings Sunday in a loss to the Phillies.

Lackey struck out eight batters and issued only one walk, but an ugly all-around fifth inning saddled the veteran right-hander with his 10th loss of the season. He'll carry a 4.98 ERA and 1.35 WHIP into his next start at home versus the Braves.
Sun, Aug 27, 2017 05:22:00 PM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey surrendered six runs in five innings Tuesday in a no-decision against the Reds.

The Cubs offense let Lackey off the hook tonight in his first bad start since the end of June. He had allowed three runs or fewer in seven straight starts, with the caveat that all of those outings were between five and six innings.
Tue, Aug 22, 2017 11:44:00 PM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey held the Reds to one run in six innings but had to settle for a no-decision on Wednesday.

He registered six strikeouts while issuing three walks and yielding just four knocks. He gave up a run on a sacrifice fly in the first inning and that was it. Unfortunately the Cubs' bullpen imploded after he left, costing him a well-deserved victory. His record holds at 10-9 with a 4.67 ERA in 23 starts.
Thu, Aug 17, 2017 12:49:00 AM
John Lackey - S - Cubs

John Lackey allowed three earned runs, four hits and three walks with seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings in a win Friday in Arizona.

Lackey has won five straight starts to run his record to 10-9, going 5-0 with a 3.41 ERA during the solid span. Run support has also been a large part of his turnaround, as the Cubs offense is averaging 6.2 runs per game over the past five games he has pitched. He'll look to stay hot in his next start at home Wednesday against Homer Bailey and the Reds.
Sat, Aug 12, 2017 01:39:00 AM

Depth Charts

Batters
PosRoleName
C1Willson Contreras
2Chris Gimenez
1B1Anthony Rizzo
2B1Javier Baez
2Ben Zobrist
SS1Addison Russell
3B1Kris Bryant
2Tommy La Stella
LF1Kyle Schwarber
CF1Ian Happ
2Albert Almora
RF1Jason Heyward
Starting Pitcher
PosRoleName
S1Jon Lester
2Yu Darvish
3Jose Quintana
4Kyle Hendricks
5Tyler Chatwood
6Mike Montgomery
7Drew Smyly
Relief Pitcher
PosRoleName
R1Brandon Morrow
2Carl Edwards Jr.
3Steve Cishek
4Pedro Strop
5Justin Wilson
6Brian Duensing
7Randy Rosario
8Eddie Butler
9Anthony Bass
10Luke Farrell
11Rob Zastryzny
12Justin Hancock