Lester returns with solid outing at Class A

CHARLESTON, S.C. – If Jon Lester stays this sharp, it shouldn’t take him long to return to Fenway Park.

Lester made his first start of the year Thursday night for the Class A Greenville Drive as he attempts to return to Boston’s rotation after an off-season of cancer treatments and uncertainty. He shut out the New York Yankees’ affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs, on two hits over four innings before coming out.

It was a promising start for Lester, diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma late last season. Lester, 23, had established himself as a rookie a year ago, going 7-2 with a 4.76 ERA. In August, however, doctors found his cancer, which had attacked his body’s lymph system.

Lester underwent six chemotherapy treatments between the discovery and Dec. 21, then reported to Boston’s training camp in early February to work his way back.

Tests show he is cancer-free. Still, the Red Sox didn’t want to rush Lester back.

Last week, Lester was sent to Greenville, where he’s expected to make at least four starts.