When the Red Sox parted ways with first base prospect Anthony Rizzo in the Adrian Gonzalez trade this past offseason, they knew they were dealing a promising player who wasn't quite ready for the big leagues.
Now, with the San Diego Padres, Rizzo is ready.
According to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, Rizzo will be making his MLB debut on Thursday against the Nationals. Current Padres first baseman Brad Hawpe made his third straight start in right field on Tuesday.
Rizzo was tearing it up at Triple-A Tucson this season, hitting .365 with 16 home runs and 63 RBIs through Tuesday. Rizzo was traded to the Padres organization along with pitcher Casey Kelly, outfielder Reymond Fuentes and a player to be named later.
Adrian Gonzalez is hitting .339 with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs through 61 games in his first season with Boston.
