What On Earth Is Going On With Jon Lester?

Through 4 1/3 innings Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays Jon Lester threw 95 pitches (46 of them balls), walked seven and dug a 7-3 hole for the Sox that they never should have been in after Matt Joyce jacked him for  a two-run homer and his night was over. It was a wretched performance capping a string of sub par outings that has to leave both the Red Sox and The Nation scratching their heads. All told Lester got rung up for three homers.

Jun 11, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) reacts after giving up a run in during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Lester hasn’t won a game since May 15. He has lost two games, has suffered through two no decisions since then and Tuesday was likely on the precipice of this third loss. His mechanics are back in the tank and with it, so appears, is his head.

Since going 6-0 through mid-May, which in actuality was a bit of a hype since Lester was on the ropes a few times during those wins and was the beneficiary of some potent offense, the wheels have started to come off Lester’s wagon. John Farrell, who was pleased with Lester’s dedication to work quicker in spring training, must be steaming watching him once again SLOW down and revert to his 2012 form.

He doesn’t appear to be injured. He’s just once again mechanically balled up and as history tells us Lester’s tailspins can be deep and persistent.

So just what is happening with Jon Lester? I can’t put my finger on it. Help a brother out! Vote below or add your own comment.