John Lackey injury: Red Sox RHP to begin rehab assignment

Boston Red Sox right-handed starting pitcher John Lackey is slated to begin his minor league rehab assignment Monday for the team's Double-A affiliate, according to Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal.

Lackey was cleared to resume throwing earlier this week. The symptoms of his biceps injury had subsided, and Lackey is now on track to take the next step in the recovery process. He will start Monday for Double-A Portland.

Jeter out through All-Star break

Another setback means the captain won't be back until sometime after the All-Star break.

The Red Sox and fans could have easily assumed the worst when Lackey had to be removed from his first start of the season, considering the right-hander missed all of the 2012 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

But now it appears that Lackey could be back with the team sooner than later. MacPherson offers no word on how much action he'll see Monday, but he will be followed by another injured Red Sox pitcher, Franklin Morales.

In Lackey's absence, the Red Sox have inserted swing man Alfredo Aceves into the rotation. He's allowed five runs in 10 innings over two starts since replacing Lackey.

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