Lackey (10-9) allowed three runs on four hits and three walks over 5.1 innings and struck out seven to earn the win Friday against Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Lackey has won six straight despite the fact that he hasn't thrown more than six innings in a single start since June 2 against St. Louis. He has been inconsistent at best, and this winning streak includes Friday's start, in which he served up a pair of home runs, and a start on July 25 when he hit four batters with pitches. As long as he's in the Cubs rotation, he can soak up wins, but otherwise, he has been far from reliable.

Lackey (9-9) was charged with three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks over five innings in Saturday's win over the Nationals. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't a particularly strong performance from Lackey -- he threw first-pitch strikes to just 13 of 22 batters faced and induced six swinging strikes -- but he went just far enough to qualify for the win. Lackey has now won four straight, but he's gone more than five innings just once in his last four starts. That trend may continue as the Cubs look to limit Lackey's exposure to opposing lineups and turn it over to the bullpen early during his starts.

Lackey (8-9) grabbed the win Sunday against the Brewers. He went six innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Lackey has a subpar 4.87 ERA this season, but he's been solid over his last four starts. In that stretch, he's gone 22 innings and allowed just eight earned runs (3.27 ERA), while striking out 16. The Cubs have been linked to starters such as Yu Darvish and Justin Verlander in trade rumors, and a shakeup could bump Lackey from the rotation. As it stands, he lines up to face the Nationals on Saturday in his next start.

Lackey (7-9) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks across five innings in Tuesday's win over the White Sox. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Lackey was victimized by opposing pitcher Carlos Rodon for a two-run double in the second inning, but he was otherwise able to dance around trouble during his outing. He tacked on an alarming four hit batsmen in this one, but a pair of double-plays helped mitigate the damage. Lackey's 4.97 ERA on the season leaves much to be desired, but he has seemingly turned a corner of late with three runs or fewer allowed in five of his last six starts. He has also won two straight after last doing so in mid-May, and he'll look to keep it going Sunday against the Brewers.

Lackey (6-9) allowed one run on five hits and two walks over five innings in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Braves. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

It was far from a dominant effort, but Lackey did just enough to qualify for the victory despite serving up his 25th home run of the season. The veteran righty will carry a 5.04 ERA into his next start Tuesday at home against the White Sox.

Lackey (foot) was activated off the 10-day disabled list Tuesday ahead of his scheduled start against the Braves, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Lackey will make his return to the rotation Tuesday night without missing a single start. He'll face off with Braves' rookie southpaw Sean Newcomb as the veteran looks to improve his 5.20 ERA and 1.33 WHIP.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he expects Lackey (foot) to remain in the rotation once Kyle Hendricks (hand) comes off the 10-day disabled list, likely later in July, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lackey, who hit the DL prior to the All-Star break with an injury of his own, will be reinstated in advance of his start Tuesday in Atlanta. After a strong first season with the North Siders, the 38-year-old Lackey has regressed badly in 2017. He's lost only one mph on his fastball from the season before, but that's been enough to make him much more hittable, with Lackey submitting a 5.20 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and a career-worst 2.2 HR/9. It appears Lackey will have some leash to work through his struggles, but a move to the bullpen could be considered if he fails to rebound in his subsequent outings.

Lackey (foot) is on track to start Tuesday against the Braves, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After logging an encouraging bullpen session Saturday, it appears that Lackey will be ready to return to the mound for Tuesday's showdown in Atlanta. Due to the timing of Lackey's injury with the All-Star break included, he'll be able to get back without having missed a turn in the rotation. Lackey carries a 5.20 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP heading into Tuesday's outing.

Lackey will head to the 10-day DL due to plantar faciitis, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lackey pitched through the foot troubles in his Wednesday start against the Rays, where he turned in a quality outing with six innings of three-run ball. Now on the DL, Lackey won't actually have to miss a start due to the upcoming All-Star break -- his next turn in the rotation would come after the 10-day minimum has passed. The move will also clear up a roster spot for Kyle Schwarber, who was promoted back to the majors in a corresponding transaction.

Lackey tossed six innings Wednesday against the Rays despite dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. The veteran right-hander allowed three runs on six hits while striking out three, walking away with a no-decision.

EDGE Analysis

This foot ailment appears to be the reason that Lackey was pushed back to start Wednesday's contest. Due to this move, he'll now get the opportunity to make his next start after the All-Star break, which hopefully should alleviate any problems he's experiencing with his foot. The issue doesn't seem to be bothering him too much, however, given that he still managed to throw 53 of his 79 pitches for strikes while limiting the damage for much of his start. As long as his plantar fasciitis either subsides or continues to be managed effectively, Lackey seems to be in line to pitch one of the first couple games following the All-Star break against the Orioles.