Jon Papelbon, who has made just four starts at Triple-A Pawtucket, will make his big league debut Sunday as Boston's scheduled starter against the Minnesota Twins.

 

Manager Terry Francona announced the move Saturday night after Boston's 6-2 victory over Minnesota. Brad Radke (6-10) starts for the Twins on Sunday.

 

Papelbon, a 24-year-old right-hander, is 1-2 with a 3.57 ERA in four starts for Pawtucket. He walked two and struck out 21 in 22 2-3 innings.

 

"He's one of our bright young stars that we think a lot of," Francona said.

 

Papelbon was 5-2 in 14 starts this season for Double-A Portland before being promoted to Pawtucket on July 4.

 

He won in his last appearance, on Tuesday, when Pawtucket beat Buffalo 9-to-1. He struck out eight in five innings. The 6-foot-4 pitcher was drafted by Boston in fourth round in 2003 out of Mississippi State.

 

Left-hander Lenny DiNardo was optioned to Pawtucket to make room on the roster for Papelbon.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/reds...pelbon_a_start/

I got a chance to see him in the Hanley Ramirez days in Sarasota... I remember he's got one hell of a devastating slider when he's on his game.

 

Best of luck to him in the bigs

I got a chance to see him in the Hanley Ramirez days in Sarasota... I remember he's got one hell of a devastating slider when he's on his game.

 

Best of luck to him in the bigs

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In AAA, 3 of his 4 starts he allowed 1 run or less.

 

If we had to start him against any team, Im glad he gets to face the offensive inept Twins.