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Lester's hip OK, on track to make next start

BOSTON -- Jon Lester showed no ill effects from the right hip ailment that took him out of Thursday's 7-4 victory vs. the Blue Jays after 94 pitches, and he should be on track to make his next scheduled start, on Thursday against the Padres.

Manager John Farrell described Friday as a normal day after a start for Lester.

"He feels improved," Farrell said, "so we're considering today similar to any other Day 1 following his start. He does get the advantage of an extra day rest this next time through. We fully expect him to be on the mound against San Diego next week."

Considering that Clay Buchholz hasn't pitched since June 9 because of a neck strain, the last thing the Sox need is for Lester to lose any time.

"Based on all the maintenance work he currently does, and the exams, the strength exams, that he goes through, the range of motion is good," Farrell said. "There's nothing that is glaring. There are times when, if his stride direction is a little bit across his body, he'll pinch it at times. I can't say that there's the need for some kind of intervention to correct something that's damaged. That's not the case."

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne.
Read More: Boston Red Sox, Jon Lester