The Pirates had a rough week, losing two regulars in the span of five days as C Ryan Doumit suffered a broken right wrist and SS Jack Wilson also went on the disabled list with a sprained left middle finger. Youngsters will be counted on to fill both spots. Rookie Jason Jaramillo will be the primary catcher and be backed up by another rookie, Robinzon Diaz. Brian Bixler, who spent part of last season with the Pirates, likely will get the majority of playing time at shortstop, with veteran INF Ramon Vazquez also pitching in.
PLAYER NEWS: --SS Jack Wilson went on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a sprained left middle finger. Rest is expected to help reduce the swelling and the Pirates are optimistic he will be able to be activated the first day he is eligible on May 10.
--SS Brian Bixler was recalled from Class AAA Indianapolis. The Pirates felt he was the most improved player in their spring training camp this year and now he will get a chance to show what he can do in the major leagues after flopping with the Pirates last year. In his first taste of the majors, he hit .157 with two RBI in 50 games. He went 1-for-3 with a two-run double and a walk in Sunday's 8-3 win over San Diego.
--CF Nate McLouth missed his third straight game Sunday with a strained oblique muscle in his right side. The Pirates are hoping that McLouth will be able to play Monday night when they open a three-game series at Milwaukee, but he most likely won't return until Tuesday night. The Pirates are being extremely cautious with McLouth because they do not want the injury to turn into a long-term problem, particularly since C Ryan Doumit and SS Jack Wilson are already on the disabled list.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Nate McLouth (strained right oblique muscle) sat out April 24-26 and is day-to-day.
SS Jack Wilson (sprained left middle finger) went on the 15-day disabled list April 25.
RHP Craig Hansen (neck spasms) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 20.
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 Evan Meek
RHP Jesse Chavez
LHP Donnie Veal
CATCHERS:
Jason Jaramillo
Robinzon Diaz
INFIELDERS:
1B Adam LaRoche
2B Freddy Sanchez
SS Ramon Vasquez
3B Andy LaRoche
INF/OF Eric Hinske
INF Brian Bixler
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Nyjer Morgan
CF Nate McLouth
RF Brandon Moss
OF Craig Monroe
OF Delwyn Young
