Angels P Lackey makes spring debut

Mar 10, 2008 - 11:35 PM TEMPE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ace John Lackey pitched effectively in his spring debut Monday in a 5-4 Cactus League victory against the Oakland Athletics.

Lackey allowed a run and two hits with two walks and a strikeout over 1 2/3 innings.

Lackey, 29, has been slowed by a sore elbow this spring. The righthander tossed a bullpen session last Thursday and hopes to be ready for the Angels' season opener against the Minnesota Twins on March 31.

"The probability is he'll be ready for his first turn in the rotation - that's more important than being the starter in the opener," Angels manager Mike Scioscia told the team's website. "John has his stamina built up; he's up to a certain level. If he can somehow get in the range to get to 100 pitches before Opening Day, there's an opportunity there."

A six-year veteran, Lackey enjoyed the finest season of his career in 2007, going 19-9 with an American League-best 3.01 ERA en route to earning his first career All-Star appearance.