VERO BEACH, Fla. - Barring any setbacks, Bartolo Colon will make his first start for the Red Sox on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Pitching coach John Farrell made the announcement yesterday morning after watching Colon throw his first live batting practice to fourminor-leaguers. After a brief long-toss session and warm-up throws, Colon threw 21 pitches to Luis Sumoza, David Marks, Matt Sheely and one other minor-leaguer.

Then, following a brief break to simulate a between-inning rest, threw another 22. “He’s ready (to make a start),” said Farrell, who was impressed with Colon’s two-seam fastball. Farrell said Colon was exhibiting “a tendency to slow his body down” when throwing his changeup, but said that would be corrected with additional time on the mound.

Colon will be allowed up to 30 pitches in his Thursday start. Farrell said a decision about whether to bring Colon to Japan would be made later. Colon reported afterward that he felt “really good,” was satisfied with his velocity and was pleased with his control. “It didn’t feel much different (facing hitters),” said Colon, who had thrown three bullpen sessions, “but I did like the fact that the hitters (helped the game situation.)” He praised the coach and training staff for brining him alone “at a very nice pace. I kind of expected (to be at this stage), with all the work I did in the Dominican Republic, this is right where I expected to be.”

-JOE McDONALD