SEATTLE -- Bartolo Colon will throw from a distance of 120-150 feet today, then have a side session at home Thursday when the Sox return from their trip.

“He’s been feeling great,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

After the side session, Colon will throw another, then graduate to live batting practice, and eventually a rehab stint in the minors.

He could be ready to return in mid-August.

For now, the Sox have a full rotation, but the likelihood of Colon pitching out of the bullpen, for now, would seem remote.

Colon hated the idea last season when the Angels pitched him in relief after he returned from a DL stint.

“In fairness to him,” said Francona, “we signed him as a starter. So I don’t think (he’ll be asked to try the bullpen).”