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Report: 'Very Good Chance' Red Sox Trade John Lackey

BOSTON (CBS) -- As the trade deadline approaches, it's become very clear that the Red Sox intend to trade their No. 1 pitcher. A report on Wednesday indicates they're likely to trade away their second-best starter, as well.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tweeted that a source indicated there was a "'very good chance' that #RedSox trade [John] Lackey along with [Jon] Lester," before clarifying that the two pitchers likely won't be traded in the same deal.

"Source not saying #RedSox will move Lester and Lackey in the same deal. Just saying 'very good chance' both will be traded," Rosenthal reported.

It's not entirely surprising, considering Rosenthal reported earlier this year that it would be unlikely for Lackey to play next season on the $500,000 team option which the Red Sox hold. Lackey is under contract for the veteran's minimum due to a clause in his contract that activated the extra year if Lackey missed significant time due to a pre-existing elbow condition. When Lackey missed all of the 2012 season, the 2015 option kicked in.

Lackey, 35, is 21-20 with a 3.55 ERA and 1.188 WHIP over the past two seasons. Last year in the postseason, he went 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA in 26 innings (four starts, five total appearances). He allowed just one run over 6 2/3 innings to earn the win in the clinching Game 6 of the World Series at Fenway Park.

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