Lester was lined up for what would be his second start of the spring but has been scratched because of a flu bug that is going through the clubhouse. Michael Bowden will get the start in his place, with Hideki Okajima and Andrew Miller among those slated to appear in relief.
Miller has struck out three in two scoreless innings so far.
Several regulars will stay behind after a split-squad day Saturday. The Sox dropped an 11-2 decision at home to Florida, and tied Baltimore 4-4 in 10 innings up in Sarasota.
Red Sox vs. Mets
1:10 p.m.
Digital Domain Park
RHP Michael Bowden (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. LHP Jonathon Niese (0-0, 0.00)
Bowden has struck out three and walked two in two scoreless innings. Niese threw three scoreless frames in his only start of the spring.
Second base prospect Oscar Tejeda is 7-for-13 (.571) with the team's only two triples and a team-high six RBIs this spring.