--INF/OF Eric Hinske started his sixth consecutive game in right field as the Pirates look to get some extra pop in the lineup with C Ryan Doumit out. Hinske was 0-for-2 with a walk Wednesday and is 6-for-26 (.231) with four RBIs during that six-game stretch.

--OF Craig Monroe struck out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning and is 0-for-7 off the bench this season. However, he has gone 8-for-21 (.381) with two home runs and 10 RBIs in his five starts.

--CF Nate McLouth missed his sixth straight game with a strained oblique muscle in his right side. His status is in doubt for Friday when the Pirates return to action by opening a six-game homestand against Cincinnati after having an off day Thursday.

MEDICAL WATCH:

OF Nate McLouth (strained right oblique muscle) sat out April 24-29. 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