A Red Sox source told Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com that a trip to the disabled list for John Lackey (bicep) "could go either way at this point." An MRI on Lackey's right bicep showed only inflammation, but he won't make his next start and the Red Sox might decide to play it safe and go ahead and DL him. "He's improved," manager John Farrell said Monday. "He's still in a 48- to 72-hour recovery period. There's no roster move of any kind right now. The most encouraging thing is, following the MRI, it showed some inflammation in the biceps -- that's been it. So he's set for a re-exam today, and after we get that information we'll map out a plan of attack going forward." Alfredo Aceves will get at least one start in Lackey's place.

John Lackey (biceps) will be reevaluated Monday. Lackey hasn't been placed on the disabled list, but he's highly doubtful to make his next start. The Red Sox don't need a fifth starter until Sunday, so he'll be put through more testing before a decision is made on a roster move. All signs point to Alfredo Aceves making a spot start if Lackey is ruled out.

Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino said Monday that an MRI on John Lackey's right arm showed no structural damge. That's great news. Lackey has been diagnosed with a mid-biceps strain and will likely have to be placed on the 15-day disabled list, but he won't be out for more than a month. The veteran right-hander suffered the injury Saturday in his first start of the regular season.

John Lackey pitched five innings of one-run ball Thursday in Boston's 6-1 defeat of Philadelphia. It's good news for the Red Sox that Lackey seems to be getting better with each performance. We're not sure that trend will carry into the regular season, but perhaps he'll be an adequate fourth starter. Overall, he's allowed seven runs and struck out just five in 11 2/3 innings this spring.

John Lackey beat the Rays by allowing two runs in 3 2/3 innings on Sunday. Lackey allowed four hits, walked one and struck out two. He also committed an error on a pickoff throw, though that didn't come back to hurt him. With an 8.10 ERA so far, Lackey isn't giving anyone much reason to be optimistic about him as a fantasy pitcher.

John Lackey won despite allowing three runs in two innings versus the Pirates on Thursday. Jared Gordert hit a three-run homer off him in the second inning. Lackey has given up four runs in three innings through two starts. The Red Sox are pretty committed to him as their fifth starter, but he's not yet giving fantasy leaguers any reason to invest.

John Lackey, coming back from Tommy John surgery, gave up a run in an inning of work Saturday in his start against a Rays split-squad. With a Ben Zobrist walk, a Desmond Jennings single and a Matt Joyce hit by pitch, the Rays loaded the bases right away. Lackey, though, was able to escape major damage, giving up just a sac fly to Ryan Roberts. Lackey was only scheduled for the one inning today. His fastball wasn't particularly impressive, but at least his control did get better as he settled in.

Red Sox manager John Farrell expressed confidence that John Lackey (elbow) will be healthy and ready to pitch in spring training after missing all of last season. Lackey is 16 months removed from from Tommy John surgery and the Red Sox are counting on to him to open the season in their starting rotation. While he's now finally healthy, there's still major questions on how the 34-year-old will hold up after posting a 5.36 ERA over his first two seasons with Boston. Lackey is under contract for $15.25 million in 2013 and 2014.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Angels "would love to get John Lackey back." Lackey has been a disappointment in Boston, but Cafardo says the Red Sox are "intrigued" about how he'll look after Tommy John surgery. He indicates that the Halos are interested in swapping Vernon Wells' bad contract for Lackey's, but the Sox would likely balk at that idea.

Red Sox activated RHP John Lackey from the 60-day disabled list. Lackey is coming back from Tommy John surgery but should be ready to roll at the start of spring training. He'll be looking to bounce back after a woeful showing in 2011.