Lackey Gets Media Text Message About Divorce from Wife Battling Cancer Before Outing

Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey has had some tumultuous moments since joining the team as a free agent nearly two years ago, but this weekend things got even worse for the struggling pitcher.

With the Red Sox trying to avoid an epic collapse in their pursuit of the American League Wild Card, Lackey pitched the first game of a double header to decent results, surrendering three earned runs in six innings against the rival Yankees in the Bronx.

Lackey veered completely off topic when asked about his pitching performance after the game.

Let me tell you the truth, Lackey said, according to ESPN. Thirty minutes before the game I got a text message on my cell phone from one of you, somebody in the media, talking about personal stuff. I shouldn't even have to be standing up here dealing with it.

I'm sitting here, listening to music. I don't know who got my phone number, but that's over the line.

Tabloid Web site TMZ.com reported Monday morning that Lackey filed for divorce from his wife last month after only three years, while she is battling breast cancer.

Sources close to the family tell TMZ ... Krista underwent a double mastectomy back in March and underwent chemo as recently as June, the Web site reported.

When asked if the text message distracted him, Lackey said he couldn't believe he had to deal with this.

The Red Sox issued a statement on the matter Monday.

John Lackey is dealing with a deeply personal family issue, and it is one the Red Sox do not feel is appropriate for public debate. The Red Sox request that John and Krista's privacy be respected. The Red Sox will not have any further comment.

It's been a difficult season for Lackey. After a successful career with the Angels, Lackey struggled in 2010 with a 4.40 earned run average, and this year he has thrown 160 innings and has a 6.41 ERA.