Angels to activate P Lackey

May 14, 2008 - 5:05 PM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ace John Lackey will be activated from the 15-day disabled list and will start Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox.

Lackey has been sidelined six weeks with a strained right triceps but has fared well in a trio of rehab starts at Class A Rancho Cucamonga.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia admitted that the return of Lackey will provide an emotional boost to the Angels, who have lost four of their last six games.

"There's something to it when a guy brings a presence like John does when he walks out on a mound," Scioscia said. "Even though every starter is an individual, you will feed off somebody who has a presence. We're excited to get him back out there."

Scioscia claimed that the Angels will keep a loose pitch count on Lackey, who threw 88 pitches Friday in an extended spring training game.

"He should have enough pitches to get deep in the game if he's effective," Scioscia said. "I think he's going to be aggressive. I don't think there are any artificial limits, although I don't think we're going to see him throw 110 pitches."

Lackey, 29, paced the Angels last season in wins (19), ERA (3.01), starts (33), innings pitched (224) and strikeouts (179).