Saberhagen

BOSTON -- Bret Saberhagen of the Boston Red Sox is ready to pitch in the major leagues again and is to start Friday against the Chicago White Sox.

"I don't foresee having a problem," Saberhagen said after throwing 45 pitches off a mound Tuesday. "I know I'll be nervous facing big league hitters in a game situation for the first time in a long time, but if I can get the first inning over and done with and get the jitters out of the way, then after that I should fall into the groove."

Saberhagen, 37, last pitched in the major leagues in October 1999. He had right rotator cuff surgery that November and an operation on his right shoulder in March 2000.

Saberhagen allowed two runs and three hits in six innings Saturday for Triple-A Pawtucket after three outings in the lower minors. He threw 76 pitches, 52 for strikes, most in the 80-92 mph range.

"He's worked hard to get back here," Red Sox manager Jimy Williams said. "He pitched six good innings the other day. I'm looking forward to having him pitch."

Saberhagen felt some stiffness after the Pawtucket game, but not enough to derail his comeback.

"I haven't thrown that many pitches in a while," he said. "I don't know what's normal anymore. But from what I recall a long time ago it was kind of a normal feeling afterwards."

Saberhagen missed 18 months after right shoulder surgery in 1996.

"I've been through a long layoff before and I've had success," he said. "This is the same type of deal."

If this comeback doesn't pan out, Saberhagen said he will retire.

"My primary goal is to help this club and hopefully win a World Series championship," he said. "But more than likely, if the shoulder doesn't feel all that well, this will probably be my last season."