"Jon Lester is scheduled to return to the Red Sox rotation July 26 against the Royals at Fenway Park.

The lefthander, who strained the lat muscle on his left side July 5, has a schedule that will lead up to his being activated off the disabled list.

He will throw in the bullpen in Baltimore today and do that for a longer period of time Wednesday. His final tuneup will be Friday or Saturday back in Boston."