PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) – Jon Lester cut short his rehab start with the Pawtucket Red Sox on Wednesday night when he left after the third inning because of a cramp in his left forearm.

Lester had been scheduled to throw 90 pitches in an International League game against Indianapolis. He threw 39 of 63 pitches for strikes, allowing two runs and three hits.

“The forearm tightened up a little bit in the third,” Lester said. “Hopefully, it doesn’t set me back. Hopefully, in five days I’ll make another start and everything’s fine.’

After Lester was removed he was examined by Pawtucket team physician Dr. Brian Busconi and trainer Greg Barajas.

“The doctor checked it out and said it was fine, and it was just a cramp,” Lester said. “I didn’t have any tests and I don’t see any reason for them. It’s in the forearm. There’s nothing to be worried about in the elbow.”

Lester’s 30-day rehab assignment ends on May 5, at which time Boston must decide whether to activate him or leave him in the minors, ostensibly at Pawtucket, for additional work.

Lester acknowledged he didn’t help his situation during a 25-pitch first inning. Indianapolis scored two runs on two hits, including a hit-and-run double by Jose Hernandez, plus a walk and a stolen base. He retired the side in order in the second on 12 pitches, including a strikeout of Luis Ordaz on a changeup.

Indianapolis loaded the bases with two outs in the third on a hit, two walks and a fielder’s choice. But Lester escaped without allowing a run by striking out Hernandez.

“Early on I threw too many fastballs and didn’t use my off-speed pitches enough early in the game, which is usually what I try to do,” Lester said. “I left a cutter up and away to Hernandez (in the first) and he hit it down the line. But stuff wise, I was all right. All in all I felt good until the third inning.”

AP-ES-05-02-07 2320EDT