BRISTOL, Va. — Right-handed pitcher Lucas Harrell will achieve a rare feat tonight when he takes the mound for the Bristol White Sox in their season-opener against the Johnson City Cardinals at DeVault Stadium.
It will be the second opening night start for Harrell this season.
He started —and won — Class AA Birmingham’s season-opener on April 3.
However, he was shelved with a shoulder injury a few weeks later and is currently on a rehabilitation assignment in Bristol.
He’s expected to be on a limited pitch count tonight and will toss two or three innings.
“It’s not that bad,” Harrell said. “I played here in 2004 and my arm’s finally where it’s back to feeling good. It’s definitely a plus.”
Harrell was 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in three appearances for Birmingham before being placed on the disabled list. He missed the entire 2007 season after undergoing shoulder surgery and the Missouri native was bit by the injury bug again earlier this season.
His health is currently headed in the right direction.
“My arm’s feeling good,” Harrell said. “I threw three innings a couple of days in a simulated game here and I’m good to go.”
Harrell is definitely a different pitcher than he was the last time he was in a Bristol uniform. Harrell went 3-5 with a 5.59 ERA in 13 appearances for the BriSox in his first professional season.
“When I was here last time, I threw a lot harder and didn’t throw as many strikes,” Harrell said. “I grew up a little bit and understand the game — just your basic pitching-mentality.”
Harrell has been listed among the top pitching prospects in the Chicago organization and was recently added to the major league squad’s 40-man roster.
“I’m hoping I can give back to them what they’ve given to me,” Harrell said. “They didn’t have to do that, but they did it. It’s a good feeling to know they have an interest in me and think I have a chance of playing in the big leagues.”
Hairston’s Home
Bristol has become like a second home to BriSox hitting coach Jerry Hairston Sr., who enters his sixth summer at DeVault Stadium. He was the team’s manager from 2003-05.
“I enjoy coming here,” Hairston said. “It’s smalltown USA and that’s what I like. These are just great people.”
Hairston is the father of major leaguers Jerry Hairston Jr. (Cincinnati Reds) and Scott Hairston (San Diego Padres).
Blood Drive
The BriSox will sponsor a blood drive on June 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to attend the event and donate blood. Prizes will be awarded.
Team Transportation
How do many of Bristol’s players get around town? Try the bicycle.
Fifteen bikes were sitting outside Bristol’s clubhouse on Monday night.
thayes@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2570
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