The pitcher has been out all year after elbow surgery.
Boston Red Sox's John Lackey has an outside chance of pitching in a major league game in September.NEW YORK - Red Sox pitcher John Lackey threw 45 pitches in a side session Sunday, and Bobby Valentine did not rule out the pitcher's appearance in a major league game this season.
"I'm not sure. I haven't talked to John about it, but I think he'd like to pitch in a game or two,'' the manager said.
It still looks unlikely Lackey will pitch this season, but no longer is it deemed impossible.
Valentine said 35 to 37 of Lackey's pitches were excellent. Lackey has been out all year after Tommy John surgery.
The next step for Lackey will be to "spin'' some pitches and work on his breaking ball off a flat mound.