--LHP Phil Dumatrait threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session Feb. 18, the first time he had thrown off a mound since July 7, when he faced Houston. Dumatrait underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery in August and had some setbacks in his recovery during the offseason. Because he is behind the other pitchers' throwing schedules, Dumatrait will be considered for a relief job rather than a spot in the rotation.

--RF Brandon Moss was able to work out with no restrictions when spring training started. Moss underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last October and there were initially some concerns that he might not be 100 percent when camp opened.

--3B Andy LaRoche was bothered by lower back spasms during the early days of spring training, but the Pirates medical staff does not believe the problem is serious. LaRoche is the favorite to win the starting third base job this spring, though he might be pushed by prospect Neil Walker and utility player Eric Hinske.

--INF Pedro Lopez, a non-roster invitee, was the only player to miss the first full-squad workout of the spring as he was delayed in his native Dominican Republic while obtaining a work visa. Lopez missed the first two workouts before arriving.

--C Craig Parry and C Milver Reyes were added to the camp roster, primarily to assist in warming up pitchers. Parry, 22, hit .274 with 14 RBI in 19 games with rookie-level Bradenton last season. Reyes, 26, hit .187 with one home run and seven RBI in 53 games with Class AA Altoona.

BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Number of times RHP Virgil Vasquez was claimed off waivers this season after originally being designated for assignment by Detroit in October. Boston, San Diego and the Pirates all claimed him.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "When I see him I think of (Hall of Famer Willie) Stargell. He is built like him, he swings like him and the ball jumps off his bat like him." -- Special instructor and former catcher Manny Sanguillen on 3B Pedro Alvarez, the Pirates' first-round draft pick last year from Vanderbilt.