Switch-hitting Delwyn Young, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade for either two minor-leaguers to be named or cash considerations, isn't likely to get many starts -- the Pirates are set in the outfield with Nyjer Morgan, Nate McLouth and Brandon Moss as the starters and Craig Monroe in reserve. While Young figures to be mainly a pinch hitter, he will begin working out at second base and third base in an effort to increase his versatility. Young was a second baseman coming up through the Dodgers' farm system, and the Pirates think he has the arm strength to play third.
PLAYER NEWS: --1B Adam LaRoche figures to get the majority of time in the cleanup spot now that C Ryan Doumit is expected to miss two months because of a broken bone in his right wrist. LaRoche seems up for the challenge, as he went 7-for-11 (.636) with four doubles and four RBIs in the three-game sweep of Florida that ended Wednesday.
--LHP Paul Maholm's string of three consecutive starts allowing one earned run or fewer to start the season ended as he gave up four runs in six innings Wednesday. Though he struggled with his command throughout and saw his ERA jump from 0.87 to 2.02, Maholm still gave the Pirates a chance to win, a sign that he is maturing into the leader of the pitching staff.
--LF Nyjer Morgan is noted most for his ability to score runs with his speed from the leadoff spot, but he singled home the winning run in the sixth inning Wednesday. He now has nine RBIs in 15 games this season after driving in just eight runs in 58 games last season. Morgan is 7-for-17 (.412) with runners in scoring position this season.
MEDICAL WATCH:
C Ryan Doumit (broken bone in right wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 20. He will have surgery April 23 and will be out eight to 10 weeks.
LHP Phil Dumatrait (arthroscopic right shoulder surgery in August 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He was pitching in extended spring training in mid-April.
ROTATION:
LHP Paul Maholm
RHP Ian Snell
LHP Zach Duke
RHP Ross Ohlendorf
RHP Jeff Karstens
BULLPEN:
RHP Matt Capps (closer)
LHP John Grabow
RHP Tyler Yates
LHP Sean Burnett
RHP Craig Hansen
RHP Jesse Chavez
LHP Donnie Veal
CATCHERS:
Jason Jaramillo
Robinzon Diaz
INFIELDERS:
1B Adam LaRoche
2B Freddy Sanchez
SS Jack Wilson
3B Andy LaRoche
INF Ramon Vasquez
INF/OF Eric Hinske
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Nyjer Morgan
CF Nate McLouth
RF Brandon Moss
OF Craig Monroe
OF Delwyn Young
