Cliff Lee on 'normal' schedule, starts Thursday

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Another positive sign in Cliff Lee's path back from last year's season-ending elbow strain came Friday, when Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure read off his schedule for the first week of spring training games.

Lee, who on Saturday will pitch his second live batting practice, is slated to start the Grapefruit League game Thursday against the Houston Astros in Kissimmee. That puts the 36-year-old lefthander on schedule with the rest of the team's starters.

"He's thrown well," McClure said. "He feels really good, so he's right on schedule."

Lee has not started a game since July 31, his final outing before he was shut down for the final two months of the season. He is expected to pitch two innings Thursday.

Wednesday signified Lee's first time facing live hitters since the injury. He said afterward he "felt normal."

The Phillies have used caution with the former Cy Young Award winner early this spring, scheduling his bullpen sessions two days apart instead of the typical one.

Scouts will gather to watch Lee, a potential trade chip once he proves healthy. His base salary this season is $25 million, but his contract also features a $12.5 million buyout for 2016. He can block a trade to all but nine teams.

The Phillies play their first game of the spring at 1 p.m. Sunday, when they will host the University of Tampa. Nonroster invitee Paul Clemens is scheduled to start, with relievers Phillippe Aumont, Hector Neris, Nefi Ogando, Andy Oliver, and Elvis Araujo combining to pitch the rest of the game.

Jerome Williams will start the Grapefruit League opener on Tuesday against the New York Yankees at Bright House Field. David Buchanan, Joely Rodriguez, Jeanmar Gomez, and Mario Hollands will also pitch that afternoon.

Aaron Harang is set to take the mound the following day against the Yankees in Tampa. Cole Hamels is slated to make his first start of the spring Friday against the Yankees in Clearwater.