March 24--MESA, Ariz. -- There's a strong chance that Jon Lester won't pitch in another exhibition game this month.
But the Chicago Cubs want to make sure their prized left-hander builds up enough arm strength in a controlled setting in preparation for their April 5 opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Lester, who missed his last start Saturday because of a "dead" arm period, will make his next appearance Thursday in a minor league game. Lester is expected to throw at least 60 pitches, and he could make his next appearance in another minor league game March 31 with a target of 80 pitches.
That might not seem like enough time to get stretched out for the opener, but manager Joe Maddon isn't looking for Lester to throw 120 pitches on April 5 and said would be satisfied with 80 pitches in his final spring outing.
"That would depend on how pitch efficient he would be regarding going how deep into the first game," Maddon said Tuesday before the Cubs played the Oakland Athletics. "But if you go 80, theoretically you would like to be in the mid-90s to 100 for that first game. He might be somewhat restricted regarding length in that first game.
"He already has pitched 70 (on March 16) prior to moving him back. I haven't spoken with Bos (pitching coach Chris Bosio) specifically about his number for this next one, except that we want him to control the (the repeating of his pitches), the amount and all that kind of stuff."
