NEW YORK -- John Lackey took over as the Los Angeles Angels' scheduled starter for Game 4 of their AL playoff series against the New York Yankees on Sunday night after teammate Jarrod Washburn got sick.
"Washburn has a throat infection and a fever, and he just will not be able to pitch tonight," Angels spokesman Tim Mead said.
Lackey, a 26-year-old right-hander, was to be pitching on short rest. He started Game 2 in Anaheim on Wednesday night, allowing two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings, walking five and striking out three. He threw 98 pitches.
Bartolo Colon, the Angels' Game 1 starter Tuesday, had been slated to travel back to California on Saturday to get ready for a possible fifth game Monday.
Los Angeles had a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series and was looking to close it out and earn a berth against the Chicago White Sox in the AL Championship Series. Game 4 originally was scheduled for Saturday but was postponed by rain.
Lackey was 14-5 with a 3.44 ERA during the regular season, finishing third in the AL with 199 strikeouts. He made one start on three days' rest, a playoff tuneup at Texas on Sept. 30. He threw five shutout innings and got the win, striking out four and walking one.
Washburn, a 31-year-old left-hander, was 8-8 with a 3.20 ERA during the regular season.
New York's scheduled starter for Game 4 was Shawn Chacon. Mike Mussina remained in California to pitch a possible Game 5.
