Zink's chance

It could be a really fun night at Fenway tonight -- Charlie Zink, 28 years 352 days old, makes his big league debut. The righthanded knuckleballer is 13-4 with Pawtucket with a 2.89 ERA in 25 games.

He's the oldest AL starter to make his major league debut since Orlando Hernandez pitched for the Yankees June 3, 1998 against Tampa Bay at 32 years, 235 days. He's the oldest starter to debut for the Red Sox since 1956.

"We're really happy for him, he's earned this,'' said GM Theo Epstein before the game. "He's had a long path to the big leagues, nothing's been handed to him. He's gone out this year and been consistently good for Pawtucket and we were kind of looking for a way to get him up here and with Wake on the DL, it seemed like the perfect time. We'll see how he throws but I'm sure this won't be his last start as a member of the Red Sox. No promises how he fits into this club beyond tonight. We'll just see.''

Francona added to the feel-good commentary.

"The reports have been really good this year in Triple A,'' Francona said. "He's had a really good year and I think Theo said it, he's earned the right to start this game. Where it goes from here, we'll see.

"It's going to be exciting to see him pitch.''

Kevin Cash, starting at catcher tonight, has caught Zink, Francona added "so there's some help there also, some familiarity.''