PORTLAND (AP) – Boston Red Sox lefty Jon Lester is scheduled to start Monday for the Portland Sea Dogs, who are battling for a spot in the Eastern League playoffs.

Lester is a former Eastern League Pitcher of the Year in 2005.

Lester, who underwent chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma during the offseason, is 2-0 in six starts since rejoining Boston on July 23.

His arrival should give a boost to the Sea Dogs, who were tied Friday with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for second place in the Eastern League’s Northern Division.

Only the top two teams make it to the playoffs, and both teams were 10 games behind Trenton.

Lester last pitched for the Sea Dogs in 2005, posting an 11-6 record with a 2.61 ERA and 153 strikeouts.

He’ll start in Monday’s home game against Trenton.