Jon Lester (dead arm) threw 54 pitches in a minor league game Thursday. He struck out three of the 12 batters he faced.

Lester (dead arm) threw 54 pitches in a minor league game Thursday. He struck out three of the 12 batters he faced.

Analysis:

Manager Joe Maddon liked what he saw: "I know his arm feels great and that's all I was worried about," Maddon said of his ace. Lester is expected to throw about 75-80 pitches his next time out, which will probably be his last appearance before Opening Night.