Brewers reserve outfielder Chris Duffy is hitless in seven at-bats this season, but the former Pirate feels fortunate to be in any clubhouse right now.
"Obviously, for the time I've missed, it's a blessing to be back up here," he said. Duffy, the Pirates' Opening Day center fielder in 2007, underwent shoulder surgery in late August 2007. He played only 30 games in 2008 in the Pirates farm system and was out of Baseball. But, with a good word from Brewers coach Dale Sveum, who knew Duffy from the Pirates' minor-league system, he signed with the Brewers.
Duffy, who turned 29 last week, hit .311 in spring training as a non-roster invitee and made the team.
Duffy still has fond memories of Pittsburgh.
"My time there, in the minor leagues, it was really special for me," Duffy said. "I had a great time. ... It was a little tough yesterday, rooting against those guys. Coming up, years of having their back and wanting them to do well. It was weird. I want those guys to do well."
? Center fielder Nate McLouth, who will miss his fifth consecutive game, threw for about 10 minutes in the outfield at Miller Park on Tuesday afternoon. Manager John Russell said McLouth could possibly hit off a tee Wednesday, if he continues to progress.
? With McLouth out for a fifth game in a row, Brandon Moss hit third for only the third time in 61 games as a Pirate . Moss has one RBI this season.
? Shortstop Jack Wilson, on the 15-day disabled list, will not resume any hitting or fielding activities before this weekend. The veteran, who had another visit with hand specialist Dr. Mark Baratz in Pittsburgh earlier this week, is eligible to come off the DL the second week in May.
