MLB roundup: Lackey has strained biceps
The injury to Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey is not as serious as initially feared.
Red Sox president Larry Lucchino announced via Twitter on Monday that right-hander John Lackey has a right biceps strain and there is no structural damage to his arm.
Lackey, who had not pitched in almost 1 1/2 years, left Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning after hurting his right arm following a pitch.
The 34-year-old last pitched in September 2011. He was coming back from Tommy John surgery. It was feared that he may have re-injured his elbow, but an MRI revealed no damage.
It is not clear how long Lackey will be out. Alfredo Aceves, who relieved Lackey, is a candidate to fill his spot in the rotation. Prospect Allen Webster and knuckleballer Steven Wright are also possibilities.
--- St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese, who had been on the disabled list with a back injury, was activated before the Cardinals home opener against the Reds.
Freese finished a brief minor-league rehab assignment Sunday at Triple-A by going 3-for-5.
Freese was in the Cards' starting lineup at third base base on Monday, and he went 0-for-3.
---Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun returned to the lineup Monday after missing three games with neck spasms.
He went 3-for-4 with an RBI in the Brewers' 7-4 victory over the Cubs.
---Meanwhile, Brewers pitcher Chris Narveson was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left middle finger.
--- Talks continue between the Cubs and city of Chicago over a proposed $500 million Wrigley Field renovation project but no agreement is imminent.
Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said discussions continue to move forward.
A local television station reported that an agreement would be announced on Monday, but Rickets said nothing was final and declined to put a timeframe on a resolution.
---First baseman Mauro Gomez, who was designated for assignment by the Red Sox last week, was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays.
Toronto dropped David Bush from the 40-man roster to make space for Gomez.
