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: --CF Nate McLouth was a late scratch from Friday night's game because of a strained oblique muscle in his right side. The Pirates say they don't think the injury is serious but will know more on Saturday.
--RHP Ian Snell's streak of scoreless innings ended at 13 when he gave up a second-inning run. Snell battled problems with his command throughout as he walked five in five innings while allowing three runs and six hits. However, Snell also had two hits and made a nifty defensive play, snaring Jody Gerut's line drive to get out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning.
--3B Andy LaRoche's early-season problems are in the rearview mirror as he extended his hitting streak to eight games by going 1-for-4. He is 10-for-28 (.412) during the streak, which comes after LaRoche went hitless in his first 18 at bats of the season.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Nate McLouth (strained right oblique) missed the April 24 game and is day-to-day.muscle. The Pirates say they don't believe the injury is serious but won't know more until Saturday.
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
