BRADENTON, Fla. -- One of the brightest developments of the Pirates' spring training is due today, when Brad Lincoln is scheduled to retake the mound.

Lincoln, the team's first-round draft pick last summer and premier pitching prospect, was shut down Feb. 16 because of elbow irritation, with some fearing the possibility of ligament damage that could require surgery and derail a highly promising career.

But a monthlong throwing program has brought exceedingly positive results, and the medical staff cleared Lincoln to make his first bullpen session this morning at Pirate City.

"It's great that he's made it this far," director of player development Brian Graham said. "There's been no pain, and he's been throwing really well."

Lincoln, 21, will remain behind for extended spring training. When ready to pitch competitively, he will be assigned to Class A Hickory.

Kuwata injures ankle

Reliever Masumi Kuwata's spring was ended by a badly sprained right ankle, the result of a fielding mishap in the Pirates' 2-2 tie with Toronto yesterday at McKechnie Field.

X-rays revealed a Grade 3 sprain, the most severe. A fracture or break was not ruled out, but tests could not be taken because of swelling. More should be known today.

After the Blue Jays' John McDonald singled in the eighth inning, Kuwata ran from the mound to back up a throw from the outfield to third base. He failed to notice home plate umpire Wally Bell running toward third to cover the play -- only three umpires worked the game -- and stepped on Bell's left foot near the base line. Kuwata collapsed and lay face down on the ground before receiving attention.

"I saw him before he saw me and tried to put my hand out," Bell said. "But his spike went into my foot, and his ankle twisted."

"It's a shame," Pirates manager Jim Tracy said. "He's done great, and our intention was to keep pitching him to find out what we have."

Kuwata, 38, was ticketed for Class AAA Indianapolis. His spring ERA was 4.05 in five appearances, including 1 2/3 scoreless innings yesterday.

Kuwata was troubled last season in Japan by a right ankle injury. He also missed a week earlier this month to a left ankle injury.

Other game highlights

Paul Maholm fared well in his third start, giving up two unearned runs in six efficient innings. He allowed three hits and two walks while striking out four. His spring ERA is 1.98. Tracy praised Maholm's aggressiveness, a trait lacking at times last season. "He has made a very conscious effort to attack that shortcoming," Tracy said.

Ryan Doumit, trying to solidify a spot on the bench, homered in his first at-bat to lead off the ninth inning and tie the score at 2-2. Batting from the right side, he worked the count to 3-1 and drilled a Brian Tallet fastball high over the left-field fence.

Jonah Bayliss greatly helped his bid for bullpen duty by pitching a perfect inning of relief with two strikeouts. "He has a weapon with that changeup," Tracy said. "Overall, this kid has made incredible progress."

Ronny Paulino singled twice in three at-bats and raised his average to .512.

Buried treasure

The Pirates were to hold an organizational meeting last night, an event almost always followed by a wave of cuts the next day. Thirty-five players remain in camp.

First baseman Adam LaRoche and father Dave LaRoche, a minor-league pitching coach with Toronto, exchanged lineup cards with the umpires before the game.

Tony Armas will start against the Boston Red Sox's Tim Wakefield today in Fort Myers.