PHILADELPHIA -- Jonathan Lester threw a bullpen session Friday for the first time since going on the disabled list.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon said "everything is pointing in the right direction" for Lester, who threw 42 pitches in the Citizens Bank Park bullpen and is set to throw a simulated game Monday.
"He did really well. He had a normal workout, threw 42 pitches," Maddon said. "That's what he always does, that's his number. So now he's in line for Monday to do a sim game, and we'll see how he does after that."
Lester went on the disabled list on Monday due to left shoulder fatigue. He has a 4.37 ERA in 148 1/3 innings this season. Lester was pulled after only 1 2/3 innings in his last start, when he gave up nine runs (seven earned) on seven hits against the Reds on Aug. 17.