The Pirates got one of their three injured regulars back Friday when center fielder Nate McLouth returned to the lineup after missing six games with a strained oblique muscle in his right side. Shortstop Jack Wilson, on the disabled list with a sprained left middle finger, is expected to return this upcoming Sunday. However, catcher Ryan Doumit won't be back until at least last July because of his broken right wrist.
PLAYER NEWS: --SS Brian Bixler sat out for the second time in three games to do extra work with hitting coach Don Long. Bixler has struck out 10 times in 16 plate appearances since being recalled from Class AAA Indianapolis on April 26 when SS Jack Wilson went on the disabled list with a sprained left middle finger.
--INF Ramon Vazquez started at shortstop for the second time in three games in place of Brian Bixler. Vazquez had a .362 lifetime batting average against the Brewers going into Monday and went 1-for-3 with a walk.
--3B Andy LaRoche hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot in the fourth inning, to stretch his streak of reaching base to 17 consecutive games. Until LaRoche connected, three of the Pirates' four primary corner players had yet to homer this season. Left fielder Nyjer Morgan and right fielder Brandon Moss are still looking for their first homers.
--OF Delwyn Young has not started a game since being acquired April 17 from the Dodgers in a trade. Manager John Russell tentatively plans to get Young in the lineup sometime this week. Young could get a start at second base. He has been working out daily at the position with infield instructor Perry Hill.
MEDICAL WATCH:
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
