John Lester to start for Pawtucket on Friday

The comeback story of inspirational Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester will begin a new chapter this Friday night when the 23 year-old lefty makes his first rehab start for the PawSox following an off-season of cancer treatments. Jon is scheduled to throw 80-85 pitches on Friday at McCoy Stadium at 7:05 pm vs. the Buffalo Bisons (Cleveland). Late last August, Lester was diagnosed with a treatable form of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (a cancer that affects the lymph system). He underwent six chemotherapy treatments, the last in December, and doctors then pronounced him cancer-free. Lester's remarkable return to action began in February when he reported early to spring training with the Red Sox, but Boston limited him to facing minor league batters. His official rehab assignment began with Single-A Greenville on April 5 and he made 3 starts for the Greenville Drive going 0-0 with a 2.08 ERA - 13 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 15 SO. Jon, who is scheduled for a follow-up examination in Boston tomorrow, had his scheduled initial start for the PawSox rained-out this afternoon in Rochester. The 6'2", 190 lbs. southpaw began last season with the PawSox and was 3-4 despite a 2.70 ERA in 11 starts. He was especially impressive in his final six starts for the PawSox going 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA. Lester was promoted to Boston on June 10 and went 7-2 with a 4.76 ERA in 15 starts before his season was cut short in late-August with the cancer diagnosis. He earned his first win on June 16 in Atlanta and in the process became the youngest Red Sox starter to win a game this decade (22 years, 160 days of age). Jon became the first Red Sox rookie left-handed pitcher ever to win his first five decisions when he improved to 5-0 on July 18 after firing 8-innings of 1-hit ball in a 1-0 victory over Kansas City at Fenway Park. He won his final start on August 23 in Anaheim before being placed on the disabled list on August 28. After a scheduled off-day tomorrow, the PawSox will begin an 8-game homestand on Friday with the opener of a 4-game series with Buffalo. The Sox and Bisons will play Friday at 7:05 pm, Saturday & Sunday at 1:05 pm and then Monday at 6:15 pm. The Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh) will come to town next Tuesday - Friday for a 4-game set (May 1 & 2 at 6:15 pm, May 3 at 12:05 pm, and May 4 at 7:05 pm).