Hertzler

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox released pitcher Barry Hertzler yesterday morning.

The East Providence native was selected by the Red Sox in the 11th round (324th overall) in the 2003 draft and spent five seasons in the minor-league system. The right-hander pitched for the PawSox in 2006 and in 2007.

In 186 minor-league games in the organization, he compiled a 24-15 record with a 4.26 ERA, mostly working out of the bullpen.

He split time between Lowell and Augusta during his rookie and sophomore seasons in 2003 and 2004. In 2005 he spent the majority of the season in Single-A Wilmington before making his Double-A debut with the Portland Sea Dogs in late August.

In 2006 he posted a 1.05 ERA with four saves and 17 strikeouts in 16 relief appearances for Portland before he was promoted to Pawtucket in May of that season. He returned to Portland for the end of the season and helped the Sea Dogs to an Eastern League championship. Hertzler was in Portland last season, but spent two brief stints with the PawSox.

Lester set to arrive in Japan

Jon Lester is set to arrive in Japan today. While his teammates left for Tokyo on Wednesday, the left-hander was held back a day to pitch his final spring-training game, a minor-league intrasquad game on Thursday. This isn’t the southpaw’s first trip to Japan. The Tacoma, Wash., native traveled there as a 12-year-old with his Little League team.

Colon’s tune-up resumes

Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon will start for Single-A Lancaster today at City of Palms Park. The recently acquired veteran right-hander has said he feels strong and healthy. Now it’s just a matter of working on his command.

He made his Sox debut earlier this spring against the Rays and worked two solid innings, allowing one run on two hits. He struggled, however, during his second outing against the Yankees, lasting only two-thirds of an inning. Still, he and Red Sox have been impressed with his arm strength and work ethic. He will join the team in Los Angeles after it returns from Japan, and he’s slated to pitch in one of the exhibition games against the Dodgers.

Crafty lefty on the block?

Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow is in limbo. He did not make the trip to Japan and has been working out at the minor-league complex. Breslow, a crafty left-hander, is out of options and it’s possible the Red Sox will attempt to trade him because it’s unlikely he’ll clear waivers. He spent 2007 with the PawSox, posting a 2-3 mark with a 4.06 ERA in 49 relief appearances and one start.

jmcdonal@projo.com