Brad Lincoln, the Pirates' first-round draft pick in 2006 who had elbow surgery the following spring, will make his return to the mound tomorrow.

He will start for Class A Hickory in Rome, Ga., marking his first competitive pitching since Aug. 6, 2006, also with Hickory. He was diagnosed with ligament damage to his right elbow at his first spring training, then had reconstructive surgery April 3, 2007.

The return will come sooner than most expected.

Lincoln resumed pitching off a mound in early March, but management stressed that it would proceed only with great caution and the most oft-stated goal for a return to competitive pitching was August. The general window for a full return from elbow surgery is 12-18 months, and this is the 13th month.

But Lincoln has had no setbacks, and he made two five-inning, 80-pitch starts in extended spring training, prompting the Pirates to give him a chance.

"He's progressed well," director of player development Kyle Stark said. ""He's ready to go. His strength and stuff have been good."

Lincoln, who will turn 23 later this month, was a standout at the University of Houston, prompting the Pirates to draft him fourth overall despite a high inning count in college that scared off other teams.