Charlie Zink is having a good year so far.

The Sox top draft pick in 2007, Nick Hagadone, appears headed for Tommy John surgery

And Mike Lowell will make a minor league rehab appearance - but not in Portland.

Zink was among the pitchers that people speculated about when it came to guessing who would make the Thursday start in Fenway. Zink, like Masterson, was also scheduled to pitch Thursday, in Triple-A Pawtucket.

Zink gave up two runs over six innings in a 4-2 loss to Syracuse. He allowed 9 hits, 0 walks, striking out 3. His ERA is at 3.09.

The Red Sox will have to make a decision about Zink, 28, and his knuckleball this year. He becomes a minor league free agent after the season.

One nice note about Masterson's start at Fenway. His Sea Dogs teammates watched from Portland. Manager Arnie Beyeler canceled afternoon drills so the team could gather and cheer on Masterson.

For more on Masterson, see the story.

Concerning Hagadone, a sandwich pick last year (55th overall), the reliable soxprospects.com is reporting that Hagadone will have Tommy John surgery. Hagadone was recently placed on the disabled list.

Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell is scheduled to come off the disabled list next Tuesday. It was speculated (by me) that Lowell might come to Portland for a rehab assignment since the Sea Dogs are home all weekend, while Triple-A Pawtucket is home Friday, but then at Buffalo Saturday and Sunday.

But Lowell is going to the PawSox, according to the Providence Journal. He'll be in Pawtucket Friday, and on the road with the team Saturday and Sunday.

Oh well. Maybe we'll get Cora.

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