Lester Placed On DL With Lat Strain
BOSTON (CBS) - Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester has landed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained Lat muscle in his back.
"He didn't put up much of a fight, so I think it's the right thing to do," said Manager Terry Francona before Wednesday's game against Toronto.
Lester was undergoing and MRI while Francona addressed the media. The 10-game winner left Tuesday night's 3-2 win over the Blue Jays after pitching four hitless innings after feeling discomfort in his back.
"I think he was actually, I don't want to say upbeat, because he was aggravated; he doesn't ever want to miss starts and stuff like that. But I think he was optimistic," said Tito.
Gallery: Red Sox On The DL
"He was reaching back last night, firing it pretty good," Francona continued. "He has had problems in the past where he cramped; legs, things like that when it gets hot. Sometimes when it happens, you're sore the next day. We're really hoping that's what it is."
Lester was already expected to miss his final start before the All-Star break on Sunday before the Sox decided to place him on the DL. He was going to be the last starter to go out of the break.
Listen: Felger & Bertrand: The Lat's A Big Muscle
It is likely Alfredo Aceves will take Lester's turn in the rotation. Reliever Scott Atchison will be called up to take his roster spot once Lester officially goes on the DL.
Lester was 10-4 with a 3.31 ERA with 110 strikeouts in 114.1 innings this season.
