Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield threw a bullpen session Friday and, barring a setback, should pitch Monday in Kansas City.

Wakefield said he threw 40 pitches, and was asked if his start was assured.

"In my mind, yes," he said.

Manager Terry Francona said Wakefield will have tests run Saturday to make sure he hasn't lost any strength in his legs and that there were no further setbacks. If Wakefield passes all the tests, then he'll be in line for the start.

"I think we feel Wake is going to be OK," Francona said. "Or we wouldn't really have done this."