June 4, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Hagadone set to return Saturday
Almost a year after having Tommy John surgery, highly touted lefthander Nick Hagadone is now scheduled to make his first start of 2009 for the Greenville Drive on Saturday on the road against Lexington, the Low-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. Hagadone, who had been rehabilitating in extended spring training, last appeared in a game on April 16, 2008 when he threw 2.1 innings against Greensboro before suffering the injury that led to his surgery. He had yet to give up a run in 10 innings at the time of the injury and owns a career ERA of 1.31 in 34.1 minor league innings dating back to his first professional appearance in 2007 with the Lowell Spinners. The 55th overall selection and the first by the Red Sox in the 2007 draft, Hagadone is currently the eighth ranked prospect in the organization by SoxProspects.com.