Pirates righthander Brad Lincoln appeared in his first professional game last night in more than a year.

Lincoln, who signed with the Pirates for $2.75 million as the fourth overall selection in the 2006 draft, allowed one run in five innings for low Class A Hickory. He struck out three and had no walks.

Lincoln last pitched in 2006, when he threw 24 innings between the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and Hickory after signing. He missed all of 2007, however, after having Tommy John surgery that year in April.