? One of the Pirates' injured starters is back in the lineup - and another one isn't far away. Nate McLouth, who missed the past six games with a strained right oblique, started in center field and batted third on Friday.
Shortstop Jack Wilson (left middle finger), on the 15-day disabled list, saw some light activity Friday and "by all indications, he should be ready to go" next weekend, according to manager John Russell. McLouth took about 20 swings during an informal batting practice yesterday afternoon. The club took a cautious approach with its Gold Glove center fielder. "They wanted it to be totally 100 percent pain free," McLouth said. "They were worried about it not getting completely healed and going out and hurting it worse." ? Wilson did some light infield work with coach Perry Hill and took some light swings. The shortstop is eligible to come off the DL on May 10. "It's just a slow progession as far as getting the swelling out of there," Russell said. "Each day he is feeling better."
? "The Amazing Race" host Phil Keoghan, in town during his 40-day bike ride across the country, threw out the first pitch. Keoghan, a multi-Emmy Award winner, left California on March 28 and is expected to arrive in New York on May 9 as part of his ride for charity.
? Eric Hinske's start in right field had more to do with his previous success against Reds starter Bronson Arroyo than any sort of indictment against Brandon Moss (one RBI in 59 at-bats). Hinske is a career .473 (11 for 23) hitter against Arroyo. "I think Brandon is turning the corner," Russell said. "He's going to be a big part of our offense, and we need to get him going."
Digits
53 -- Doubles by the Pirates this year, tops in the National League.
0 -- Doubles by Nate McLouth this year.
