Young, 25, had been in the Dodgers' organization since they chose him in the fourth round of the 2002 first-year player draft. He made his major-league debut with them in 2006.

"I've never been traded before, so it's a little bit of a different experience, but it's also an exciting time because I'm coming to a growing organization that is trying to build something good with young players," Young said. "It's a little different situation than I was in with the Dodgers. They had established players in the outfield and I was up against a roadblock."

The Dodgers' outfield of Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier -- with veteran Juan Pierre in reserve -- is certainly a more formidable group than the Pirates' starting trio of Nyjer Morgan, Nate McLouth and Brandon Moss. The Pirates will use Young as a reserve.

"He gives us another bat and a really good option off the bench," Pirates manager John Russell said.

However, the Pirates are going to see if they can put Young in position where he could contribute beyond backing up in the outfield. He will be tried at second base and third base, and will work extensively with first-base coach and infield defense instructor Perry Hill.

Young does not foresee playing second base as a problem because he came up through the Dodgers' farm system playing that position. As far as third, he said, "We'll see, but I don't know why not."

PIRATES 3, BRAVES 0: Paul Maholm struggled with his command, walking three and hitting two batters, but still pitched seven innings and combined with John Grabow and Matt Capps on a six-hit shutout. Maholm is 2-0 with a 0.89 ERA in three starts. Nate McLouth hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning to give the Pirates a three-run cushion.