“I completely flew back,” said Zink following Pawtucket’s 5-4 loss to Charlotte on Monday.
Johnson kept Zink in suspense until the 28-year-old stepped in the skipper’s office. It was a joint announcement as Pawtucket pitching coach Rich Sauveur, the Pawtucket pitching coach who has played a major hand in revitalizing Zink’s career, was also present to deliver the good news.
The PawSox were scheduled for their annual team Newport trip last night, a get-together that included one less teammate. Zink planned to stay in Providence before driving up to Fenway Park this morning.
 “Everything that I’ve ever dreamt of has come true,” said Zink moments after emerging from Johnson’s office. “I’m playing in the major leagues (today) and I’m getting my shot. I’m really at a loss for words; I’ll be smiling forever.”
The numbers certainly backup a well-deserved call-up for Zink. Now in his seventh season in the Red Sox organization, he is currently tied (along with teammate David Pauley) for the International League lead in wins with 13. His 2.89 ERA is third best while his 152 1/3 innings tops all IL pitchers.
Patience is usually tough to associate with knuckleballers, given the unpredictable nature of the pitch. Patience is also something Zink has had no choice but to endure this season, looking on as Pauley, Justin Masterson and Clay Buchholz were awarded spot starts with the Red Sox.
In the meantime, Zink had no choice but to continue racking up quality outings in hopes Boston would take notice. He kept up his end of the bargain, taking an 11-2 with a 2.22 ERA into the All-Star break.
“I’ve stopped completely thinking about (the possibility of a call-up). I’ve always heard my name thrown in there,” said Zink. “It started out as a letdown, but at the same it was more motivation to do well (in Pawtucket).
“Eventually I was hoping to get my shot,” Zink continued. “It’s been a long time coming. Everything has panned out like I hope it would.” 
Not everything will be completely new for Zink. He will likely throw to Wakefield’s designated catcher in Kevin Cash, someone Zink worked with last season.
“I’m comfortable with (Cash),” said Zink.
Zink will be pitching on three days rest, having last worked on Friday when he worked seven innings against Charlotte. It’s not a foreign concept. Zink pitched on less than full rest three times this season, going 2-0 with one earned run in 15 1/3 innings and 13 strikeouts.
“I only throw one pitch, so I imagine it’s going to be the same,” said Zink when asked about entering the realm of the unknown. “The (Fenway) atmosphere is going to be completely different, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”
Perhaps the best thing that has happen to Zink is Sauveur, who could relate given he relied on the knuckler during his six-year pro career. Sauveur helped Zink become more of a conventional pitcher by suggesting he feature more fastballs and change-ups.
Sauveur and Zink would engage in a knuckleball competition every time it was Zink’s day to pitch. It’s a repetition that has become so key that Sauveur was making sure to pass along the information to Boston pitching coach John Farrell.
“I just hope he goes up and does well. He’s done a fantastic job,” said Sauveur. “The command of the knuckleball has been very good. In one of his recent starts, he threw 97 pitches and they were all knuckleballs. That’s hard to do.
“His consistency of throwing strikes has been a plus this year,” continued Sauveur. “He’s won a lot of ballgames down here, but I’m happy for the kid.”
Johnson has been the purveyor of good news on a few occasions this season, but the expression on the other end never gets hold. That sentiment is especially true when the news graces first timers like Zink.
“I get a little more of the icing on the cake because I get to be the messenger and deliver the word,” said Johnson. “This is the efforts of everyone who has ever spent time with (Zink), but I get to deliver the news and see the face and eyes light up.”