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Game story: Lester solid in PawSox' 3-2 victory

PAWTUCKET -- PawSox manager Ron Johnson said prior to Jon Lester’s start last night, the Red Sox organization was just looking for another solid outing from the young left-hander.

Lester delivered.

In his fourth rehab start for the PawSox this season, he worked five solid innings and allowed just one run on three hits with one walk and one strikeout. His scheduled allotment of work was originally set at 70-75 pitches or five innings, which ever came first. He finished with 65 pitches (39 strikes) and showed no ill effects. He’s expected to pitch again for the PawSox on Tuesday against Columbus at McCoy.

The 23-year-old pitcher is working his way back to Boston after he was diagnosed with cancer last August. During his minor-league rehab stint in Single-A Greenville and with the PawSox, he’s been on target, but recently suffered a setback when he experienced cramping in his throwing forearm in his previous start on May 2.

“I felt good,” said Lester after Pawtucket’s 3-2 victory over Syracuse last night. “The forearm felt good; everything felt good. My legs were under me after going five innings, so it’s getting betting. Now I just need to get up to 90-100 pitches and see where we’re at then and go from there.”

The southpaw was able to throw his fastball, curveball and change-up without any problems, but he stayed away from the cutter, the pitch that he thinks caused the tightness in his forearm.

“They said I could throw a couple in the first inning,” admitted Lester. “But we decided I didn’t want to mess around with it, so I just went out and pitched and didn’t worry about it. My mechanics felt good. Everything is starting to feel real good. Everything is clicking and it’s consistent.”

In his four rehab starts for the PawSox, Lester has allowed just three runs in 16 2/3 innings of work with a 1.62 E.R.A.

“I thought he did a great job,” said Johnson. “He was pitch-efficient for his five innings. The bottom line is he felt great before and he felt great afterwards. It’s really good to see.”

During his previous start on Saturday in Ottawa, he retired the final 10 batters he faced. Last night he retired the first 11 hitters for a total of 21straight. Also, he's only allowed six earned runs in 29 2/3 innings of work in his seven minor-league rehab starts this season.

“He really threw the ball well in Ottawa,” said Johnson. “He was free and easy with good velocity and a good breaking ball. I liked what I saw.”

Probably the most impressive aspect of his outing north of the border last weekend was the fact he took the bus with the rest of the team. He didn’t have to do that, he could have easily met the club in Ottawa after a flight, but acted as a true professional.

“I know he was very excited to be with us and he enjoyed the trip as much as anybody else,” said Johnson. “Jon enjoys his normalcy being around the club. He wants to be a part of the team.”

After his second rehab appearance with the PawSox on May 2, when he experienced cramping in his left forearm and suffered a set back, the Red Sox decided it would be best Lester join the parent club to continue his rehab until he was ready to start again.

During that start against Indianapolis where he experienced the tightness, everyone involved didn’t think too much of it.

“We didn’t know anything was wrong until he came out and said he had a cramp,” said Johnson. “To be honest, I didn’t think much of it. It’s different when a guy comes in and says ‘oh I felt something here.’ But he wasn’t that type.”

In the meantime, Lester threw his side sessions in Boston as he prepared for his seventh rehab start of the season last night.

“He’s a young valuable commodity for us,” said Johnson. “He deserves the opportunity to get himself back on track at his pace and we’re going to follow that.”

--JOE McDONALD

Posted by Chris Venditto  at 10:55 PM to PawSox | Permalink

Comments

rocky | May 24, 2007 11:19 PM link