Red Sox, John Lackey Still Figuring Out 'Contract Language'

The Red Sox have yet to finalize a contract with free agent pitcher John Lackey because the two sides are still working out the “contract language” in regards to Lackey’s injury history:

The Red Sox and Steve Hilliard, the agent for pitcher John Lackey, are in the final stages of finalizing a five-year, $82.5-million contract, but it’s being held up as the sides work out language that would protect the Red Sox from a pre-existing medical issue.

It is a similar situation to when the Red Sox signed J.D. Drew as a free agent after the 2007 season. Language was inserted in his contract that protected the Red Sox from a pre-existing right shoulder injury. He eventually signed a five-year, $70-million deal.

Lackey started the last two seasons on the disabled list, but averaged more than 210 innings per season in the five years prior.