From the DDN:
Thigpen, a highly-considered right-hander whose velocity nose-dived over the last two seasons, had shoulder surgery in July from Birmingham’s Dr. James Andrews and made his first start for the Dragons after arriving from extended spring training.
“I was nervous,” said Thigpen, who came to the Reds organization from Boston in the Todd Walker trade. “It’s been about a year since I’ve been out there. I’m not back to 100 percent, but I felt good.”
Thigpen said his labrum was not torn, but it had detached from the bone in his shoulder. Dr. Andrews told him it was an old injury.
Thigpen took the place of catcher/infielder Evan Conley, who was put on the disabled list with a lower back strain. Conley had played in only one game and had no hits.
Thigpen threw four innings, allowing four hits and four walks, but also struck out seven, giving up just one run.