Peter Abraham On The D.A. Show: Is There A Solution To Lackey's Problems?

Even though the Red Sox lost to the Phillies when John Lackey was on the mound he did have a good start. On the 4th of July however he struggled against the Blue Jays giving up seven runs on nine hits in 2 1-3 innings, raising his ERA to 7.47.

Peter Abraham joined D.A. to talk about the Sox and what they can do about Lackey. Is there any trade value on the open market for Lackey?

"No, probably not given the elbow issue. Obviously there is something wrong there and it probably is something that could eventually require either him going back on the DL or who knows even surgery," said Abraham of the struggling pitcher.

The guys then moved on to discuss Lackey's elbow. What is the status of his elbow and is he at risk of having to shut it down for the rest of the season?

"What we've seen is crazy bouts of inconsistency, but your elbow usually doesn't get better for a week and then get worse for a week. So I don't think it's so much health as it is inconsistency," Abraham said of the starter's elbow.

The guys also discussed what the Red Sox do with Lackey once Clay Buchholz returns to the lineup. Can you send Lackey to the bullpen?

What does Abraham think of the reports that Red Sox ownership doesn't want to add payroll at the deadline? "Well, that's never happened. I mean you look at Theo Epstein's history with the Red Sox, they've made some kind of trade at the deadline every year," Abraham said.

The guys also discussed Kevin Youkilis getting hit by a pitch and leaving the game. Has he just had trouble finding his groove this season? And is Abraham surprised that the Yankees are still in the lead with the amount of injuries they have suffered?