Lackey reclaims No. 2 spot in rotation

BOSTON -- John Lackey's gem in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series has not been forgotten by Red Sox manager John Farrell. The veteran righty will move back to the No. 2 spot in the rotation for the World Series and will pitch on Thursday (airing at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX/8:07 first pitch) at Fenway against the Cardinals.

In the AL Division Series, Lackey pitched Game 2 and defeated Rays ace David Price. Lackey topped Tigers star righty Justin Verlander in his lone ALCS start. In Game 2 of the Fall Classic, Lackey will start opposite rookie phenom Michael Wacha.

Jon Lester is again the Game 1 starter, as Farrell announced Monday.

Interestingly, Farrell wasn't ready to reveal the order of his Game 3 and 4 pitchers, but he confirmed it will be Clay Buchholz and Jake Peavy in some order.

His sparkling outing in Detroit aside, Lackey has typically pitched much better at Fenway this season than on the road.

What was the biggest reason Farrell moved him back ahead of Buchholz in the rotation?

"The way John came out of his game over in Detroit, and not allowing too many days of rest to get away from that previous start of his," said Farrell. "So that's the primary reason to get John back in there in Game 2."

The Red Sox will keep their 25-man roster the same as it was in the previous two rounds, carrying 14 position players and 11 pitchers.