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: --CF Nate McLouth sat out a fifth consecutive game but did throw from 90 feet Tuesday and also do some jogging, his first baseball activity since suffering a strained oblique muscle in his right side last Friday. McLouth won't play Wednesday in the series finale against the Brewers and is questionable for Friday night's opener of a five-game homestand against Cincinnati at PNC Park.
--SS Jack Wilson was examined by hand specialist Mark Baratz in Pittsburgh on Tuesday and was advised not to take batting practice for at least another five days. Wilson is on the disabled list with a sprained left middle finger, and it's starting to look as if he could be out for an extended period.
--RHP Jesse Chavez's streak of seven consecutive relief appearances and eight innings without allowing a run ended abruptly when he relieved LHP Paul Maholm in the sixth inning Tuesday and served up a game-winning two-run home run to Rickie Weeks. Despite the hiccup, Chavez has gained the confidence of manager John Russell and is now being entrusted to protect leads instead of only pitching in mop-up situations.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Nate McLouth (strained right oblique muscle) sat out April 24-28. He won't play April 29, and he is questionable for May 1.
SS Jack Wilson (sprained left middle finger) went on the 15-day disabled list April 25. He was advised not to take batting practice before May 4.
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 Brian Bixler
3B Andy LaRoche
INF/OF Eric Hinske
INF Ramon Vasquez
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Nyjer Morgan
CF Nate McLouth
RF Brandon Moss
OF Craig Monroe
OF Delwyn Young
