FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Non-roster invitee Mike Shawaryn, who is in his first Spring Training with the Red Sox, was named the starter for Friday's game against the Northeastern University Huskies.

Pitching coach Dana LeVangie made the decision.

“That’s his department. He maps it out,” said manager Alex Cora. “We asked a few guys to come here ahead of schedule. Obviously, they’re trying to impress and win a position. There’s a few guys like the ones throwing this weekend that are a little bit ahead. Then little by little we’ll keep adding guys.”

Shawaryn was a fifth-round pick by Boston in the 2016 MLB Draft out of the University of Maryland. The 24-year-old is the club's No. 13 prospect per MLB Pipeline.

“He’s throwing the ball good. He’s got good stuff,” said Cora, who added that there are a few adjustments he wants the right-hander to make.

In three Minor League seasons, the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder compiled a 17-18 record with a 3.57 ERA over 58 games, all but one as a starter. He struck out 323 in 299 2/3 innings.

The New Jersey native appeared in seven games last season with Triple-A Pawtucket where he went 3-2 with a 3.93 ERA, striking out 33 batters in 36 2/3 innings.

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But Friday will be perhaps his biggest day as a professional.

“It’s a little different than pitching on the back fields,” Shawaryn said. “But that’s what you work your whole life for. So you get the opportunity to go out and pitch in front of these guys, you’ve just got to make the best of it. It’s going to be important to set the tone.”

First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. ET at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. The Red Sox have won all 16 previous meetings with the collegiate squad from Boston dating back to April 11, 1977 at Fenway Park. Northeastern has been the Red Sox’s annual Spring Training guest since 2004. The two met at City of Palms Park from 2004-11 before the Red Sox co-opened JetBlue Park with the college team on March 3, 2012.

Precaution for Pedroia

Though he is making progress, there is still no timetable set for second baseman Dustin Pedroia to return to full speed. In the meantime, Cora is keeping a watchful eye on the career .300 hitter.

“He always asks for more,” a cautious Cora said. “I like to be around his [practice] field because he tries to get five more and 10 more [swings]. There’s something about me telling him ‘no’ that he knows that’s [the way it is].”

Pedroia had surgery on his left knee in October 2017 and played in just three games last season.

“We’re taking care of him,” Cora said. “It’s a process. He’s moving well. He’s swinging the bat well. He’s been working. He hasn’t played in a while on a consistent basis, so you’ve got to train your eye and get your feet under you. He’s in a good place. He was driving the ball today.”

Wright not close yet

The Red Sox are being very cautious with the sore left knee that kept right-handed pitcher Steven Wright sidelined for Boston’s push to the championship last season.

He is not close to being ready to take the mound, though progress is being made. He played catch on Thursday from 65 to 70 feet.

“With him, it’s just kind of like we’ll see how he feels tomorrow, and then we’ll add more,” said Cora. “I talk to him every morning. He seems positive about where he’s at.”

Cora added that he anticipates Wright to be ready to go by the start of the season as a reliever, a role he successfully transitioned to late last year.

Ellington impressive in live BP

Another arm for consideration in the Red Sox bullpen is that of flamethrower Brian Ellington. Signed to a Minor League deal this month, the 28-year-old right-hander certainly has no deficiency in the velocity department. He threw live batting practice on Wednesday.

“Very impressive, he throws 100 [mph],” Cora said. “We’ll see a lot of those guys, especially early. Obviously, if they make an impression we’ll keep bringing them back.”

In three seasons with the Marlins, Ellington compiled a 7-4 record with a 4.65 ERA in 97 games, all in relief. He struck out 98 batters in 102 2/3 innings.