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: --C Ryan Doumit had surgery Thursday to repair a broken bone in his right wrist. He will be sidelined eight to 10 weeks.
--RHP Matt Capps has put to rest any concerns that the shoulder problems that dogged him for most of the second half of last season have carried over to this season. He is 5-for-5 in save opportunities and has yet to allow a run.
--3B Andy LaRoche has nine hits in his last 22 at-bats since beginning the season on an 0-for-18 slide. LaRoche has benefited from opening his batting stance, which has enabled him to see the ball longer and use the whole field to hit.
--RHP Ian Snell starts Friday at San Diego in the opener of a three-game series and six-game trip. Snell has allowed just two runs in 13 innings in his last two starts. He was rocked for eight runs in four innings by St. Louis on April 7 in his first outing of the season while feeling the effects of the flu.
MEDICAL WATCH:
C Ryan Doumit (broken bone in right wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 20. He had surgery April 23, and he 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
