Lackey pitches to minor leaguers

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) – Boston Red Sox right-hander John Lackey passed another test Tuesday in his comeback from elbow surgery, pitching into the sixth inning against Tampa Bay minor leaguers. Lackey, who missed last season following Tommy John surgery, gave up three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings against players from Triple-A Durham. He walked four and struck out seven. While the Red Sox enjoyed their final scheduled off day in spring training, Lackey faced 26 batters and threw 101 pitches, 54 for strikes. “Felt good,” he said. “Got to the number of pitches I wanted to get up to.