Jon Lester gets the start for Red Sox against Northeastern

Daniel Bard will get his first start next week.

Associated PressBoston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester will get the call against Northeastern University on Saturday afternoon

Acknowledged Red Sox staff ace Jon Lester will get the ball for Boston's first exhibition game, which will take place Saturday afternoon against Northeastern University.

Left-hander Felix Doubront will start against Boston College on Saturday night. Doubront is a darkhorse for a starting spot in the rotation, but a valid candidate if he is healthy.

The Red Sox will actually begin competition with a "B'' game on Thursday. Alfredo Aceves, who will get starter's innings but could wind up back in the bullpen, will start.

He will be followed in that game by Daniel Bard, who is expected to join the rotation.

Josh Beckett will start the Grapefruit League opener on Sunday, to be followed by left-hander Andrew Miller against the Twins.

Clay Buchholz and Vicente Padilla will pitch Monday against the Twins. Bard's first start comes Tuesday, March 6 against Baltimore.