Lester back on schedule

MESA, Ariz. — Jon Lester resumed regular throwing activities Monday with a bullpen session and fielding practice in preparation for a start Thursday.

“It was good. A normal bullpen, got through it, good sign,” said Lester, who skipped his scheduled start Saturday because of what he and the team considered a “dead arm.” “Now we prepare as normal for a normal start.”

How his sharpness and velocity look in games might be the better indicator of whether he is completely over the effects.

“There’s no test for a dead arm.’’ Lester said. ‘‘ You just pitch. It’s not like there’s pain. It’s just a feeling you have. Today was just more getting out there, getting my feet under me and going through my normal routine.

“The other stuff will be there. We’re still in the process of building arm strength and arm speed and all that stuff. So that’ll come as the innings get higher.

“I’ve always felt that it takes me a little longer, maybe towards the end of May where you start feeling strong, you feel good and just going through that five- day [ routine] with the games and throwing 100- something pitches every five days.

“As of now I’m not worried about velocity. I’m just more worried about building the arm strength and making sure you’re healthy in between and make the next one.”

If Lester remains on schedule, he would pitch Thursday, then again March 31, which would keep him on track for the opener April 5 against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

“We’ve still got a longways to go, but I don’t think there’s any question mark for it,” he said of being ready for the opener. “There’s no worry in my mind for it.”