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Pittsburgh Pirates

8/16/2006

Shawn Chacon, pit

Chacon played catch Tuesday and will likely start _ barring any setbacks _ Sunday in Cincinnati. If his sore right knee experiences a setback, RHP Victor Santos will start in Chacon's place.

8/15/2006

Jack Wilson, pit

Wilson left Monday's game before the seventh inning with a bruised right hand. He was hit by a pitch in the third, and said after the game he expected to play Tuesday.

Jason Bay, pit

Bay wasn't in the lineup Monday, marking for the first time that has happened since September 4, 2004. Bay's streak of 307 consecutive games played ended after he strained his right hamstring while stretching before Sunday's game against St. Louis. It was the fourth-longest active streak in the majors.

Nate McLouth, pit

McLouth was put on the 15-day disabled list on Monday because of a sprained left ankle. McLouth was hitting .233 with seven homers and 16 RBIs in 55 games.

8/13/2006

Nate McLouth, pit

Mc Louth was held out of the starting lineup on Saturday because of a sore left ankle. The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder suffered the injury on Friday, and the team hopes to have him back on Sunday.

8/12/2006

Victor Santos, pit

Santos is expected to start for the Pirates on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers, replacing injured starting pitcher Shawn Chacon in the rotation. Chacon is day-to-day after having his knee drained and receiving a cortisone shot.

Shawn Chacon, pit

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Pirates will skip Chacon's turn in the rotation on Monday after the right-hander had his knee drained and he received a cortisone shot. He is day-to-day and is expected to make his next start. Victor Santos is expected to start for the Pirates on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Josh Sharpless, pit

Sharpless was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Pirates on Friday due to a sprained right ankle. The rookie right-hander suffered the injury in the sixth inning of the Pirates' 14-1 loss to the Houston Astros on Wednesday.

8/11/2006

Tom Gorzelanny, pit

Gorzelanny allowed two runs and five hits with six strikeouts in six innings for the Pirates in a 5-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Thursday. It was the 24-year-old left-hander's fourth consecutive outing that reached at least the sixth inning.

8/10/2006

Josh Sharpless, pit

Sharpless sprained his right ankle and left the Pirates' 14-1 loss to the Houston Astros in the sixth inning on Wednesday. He is listed as day-to-day.

8/7/2006

Freddy Sanchez, pit

Sanchez was given the day off Sunday. Sanchez, the NL batting leader at .339, has struggled in his last nine games, batting .216 (8-for-37).

8/4/2006

Xavier Nady, pit

Nady went 4-for-5 with three doubles and two RBIs for the Pirates in a 6-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The right fielder doubled his batting average to .400 in his fourth game with the Pirates. He was acquired by Pittsburgh from the New York Mets in exchange for pitchers Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Perez before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Jack Wilson, pit

Wilson did not play for the Pirates in their 6-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Friday due to a sore calf. The shortstop is not expected to play in Saturday's contest, but may return Sunday.

Tom Gorzelanny, pit

Gorzelanny pitched eight innings for the Pirates, limiting the Chicago Cubs to two hits in a 6-0 win on Friday. It gave the left-hander consecutive wins for the first time in his career, as the Evergreen Park, Ill. native continues to get better on the mound.

7/31/2006

Xavier Nady, pit

The Pirates acquired Xavier Nady from the New York Mets on Monday for pitchers Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Perez.

Shawn Chacon, pit

The Pirates acquired Chacon from the New York Yankees for infielder/outfielder Craig Wilson on Tuesday.

7/3/2006

Freddy Sanchez, pit

Sanchez was selected to his first All-Star team Sunday and will be a reserve third baseman for the National League. He is hitting .363 with five homers and 45 RBIs this season.

Jason Bay, pit

Bay was selected to his second All-Star team Sunday and will start in the outfield for the National League. He is hitting .281 with 20 homers and 57 RBIs this season.

6/30/2006

Tom Gorzelanny, pit

Gorzelanny was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday and will start Saturday against Detroit. The left-hander was 6-5 with a 2.35 ERA for Indianapolis and was called up after Oliver Perez was sent down.

6/28/2006

Ryan Vogelsong, pit

Vogelsong was designated for assignment on Tuesday after making 22 relief appearances for Pittsburgh this season. The 28-year-old right-hander posted a 6.39 ERA through 38 innings. "You don't ever want to get released or designated, but maybe this will be the best thing for me," Vogelsong said. "Maybe I was the reason we were losing games, I don't know."

Jonah Bayliss, pit

Bayliss was recalled by Pittsburgh from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. The 25-year-old right-hander was 3-1 with a 1.77 ERA in 27 games for the Indians.

6/21/2006

Xavier Nady, pit

Just two games back from an appendectomy on May 30, Nady hit two homers and drove in three runs as the Mets beat Cincinnati 9-2 on Tuesday night. Lastings Milledge had played effectively in Nady's left field spot while he was out, but Nady's big night may give him an edge in playing time.

6/20/2006

Xavier Nady, pit

Nady was in the lineup for the first time since May 30 and went 0-for-4 in the Mets' 4-2 loss to Cincinnati on Monday night. The left-fielder had been out since undergoing an appendectomy. Rookie Lastings Milledge had been starting in his place, but Nady reclaimed his starting spot, at least for Monday.

Jason Bay, pit

Bay is the first Pirate since Brian Giles in 2002 to have 20 homers before the All-Star break. Giles had 22 while Bay has 20 through 71 games so far. The left fielder is hitting .300 with 53 RBIs and seems a sure bet to make the All-Star game this season in his home stadium of PNC Park.

6/18/2006

Victor Santos, pit

Santos was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Pirates on Sunday due to a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder. The Pirates activated Kip Wells to replace Santos in the rotation.

6/14/2006

Jeromy Burnitz, pit

Burnitz did not play in the Pirates' 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday due to a left calf injury. The right fielder was bothered by the injury in Sunday's 7-5 win over the San Francisco Giants.

6/11/2006

Shawn Chacon, pit

The New York Yankees activated Chacon from the disabled list Sunday and had the right-hander start the finale of a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics. To make room on the roster, the Yankees designated right-hander Scott Erickson for assignment. Chacon pitched five innings against Oakland, allowing six hits and five runs including two homers before being pulled from the 6-5 loss Sunday.

5/28/2006

Jason Bay, pit

Bay extended his home run streak to six games with a solo shot in the Pirates' 5-4, 10-inning loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday. The left fielder is hitting 13-for-26 (.500) with seven homers, 15 RBIs and 11 runs in the last six games. He has 10 home runs and 23 RBIs in the last 10 games.

5/25/2006

Jason Bay, pit

Bay went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs in the Pirates' 8-7 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. He is 12-for-28 (.429) with seven homers, 14 RBIs and nine runs in the last seven games.

5/18/2006

Chris Duffy, pit

A few days after a demotion to Triple-A Indianapolis, Duffy was placed on the minor league restricted list Thursday for failing to report to the minors. Duffy contested his demotion in a one-hour meeting with Pirates manager Jim Tracy and general manager Dave Littlefield following an 8-2 loss to Florida Sunday. Apparently the center fielder wasn't happy about efforts to alter his hitting approach after a successful rookie season a year ago.

5/17/2006

Joe Randa, pit

Although Randa is eligible to come off the disabled list Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports the contusion in the right foot of the Pirates' third baseman will keep him sidelined at least a few days longer. "He's progressing in small increments and seems to be getting a little bit better," manager Jim Tracy said.

Jack Wilson, pit

Wilson, who hasn't started since May 6 because of a hamstring strain, is hopeful he can return Wednesday or Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that the Pirates' shortstop tested the hamstring before Tuesday's 9-3 win over the Reds by running the bases and fielding grounders.

Ryan Doumit, pit

Doumit continues to be bothered by a hamstring injury that landed him on the disabled list for the latter half of April. The Pirates' catcher has been limited to pinch-hitting duty because of the injury. For the season, he is 6-for-25 (.240) with three doubles and two homers among his six hits.

5/15/2006

Nate McLouth, pit

McLouth has displaced fellow rookie Chris Duffy as Pittsburgh's starting center fielder. The two competed for the job this spring, but neither took control of it in April. McLouth has emerged with a .281 average and .395 on-base percentage in 12 games this month. For the season, he is batting .231 with a .310 OBP.

Chris Duffy, pit

Duffy, the opening day center fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis after a poor start. The Pirates liked Duffy's defense and speed, but he didn't get on base often enough to utilize his speed. He's batting .194 (19-for-98) with six doubles and a triple, but his 26 strikeouts easily surpass his hit total. He drew just three walks for a .255 on-base percentage.

5/8/2006

Joe Randa, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates place Randa on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a bruised right foot. The move was retroactive to Tuesday, May 2, as Randa hadn't played since last Monday against the Chicago Cubs. He is batting .221 with a homer and seven RBIs in 22 games this season.

5/3/2006

Zach Duke, pit

Duke worked his first shutout and complete game Tuesday, limiting the Chicago Cubs to five hits and a walk in an 8-0 win. The Pittsburgh left-hander now has a 10-4 career record, with four of those wins against the Cubs. He is 2-2 with a 3.46 ERA in six starts this season.

4/24/2006

Brad Eldred, pit

Eldred will be out indefinitely with a left thumb injury. The Pirates' hitting prospect suffered a fracture and dislocation of the thumb while playing for Triple-A Indianapolis Sunday, when he collided with a baserunner at first base. A Pirates spokesman said Eldred will undergo surgery on Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

4/20/2006

Jody Gerut, pit

Gerut and the Pittsburgh Pirates have come to an agreement regarding the outfielder's right knee. He will bypass surgery and report to extended spring training. Gerut told Pirates GM Dave Littlefield his knee was bothering him after he was demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis at the end of spring training. The Pirates agreed Gerut had tendinitis, but suspended him without pay when he announced he was going to undergo a procedure on the ailing knee.

4/16/2006

Ryan Doumit, pit

Doumit was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, retroactive to April 12, with a strained left hamstring. The 25-year-old Pittsburgh catcher is hitting .200 with two homers and four RBIs in six games this season.

4/13/2006

Jody Gerut, pit

Gerut was placed on the minor league restricted list Thursday by the Pirates after the outfielder decided to have right knee surgery against the team's wishes. Gerut, who was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis during the final spring training cutdown last month, won't be paid his $875,000 salary if he has the surgery done. Furthermore, he also must pay any travel costs associated with the surgery.

4/4/2006

Salomon Torres, pit

Torres and the Pittsburgh Pirates came to terms on a two-year, $6.5 million contract extension Tuesday. Torres gets a $400,000 signing bonus and salaries of $2.6 million in 2007 and $3.2 million in 2008. The Pirates have a $3.75 million option for 2009 that can be bought out for $300,000. Bonuses could earn him an extra $900,000.

4/1/2006

Shawn Chacon, pit

Chacon was picked as the No. 4 starter by Yankees manager Joe Torre on Friday. The right hander was 7-3 with a 3.44 ERA for New York in 2005 after spending the first part of the season with the Rockies. Chacon joins Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Chien-Ming Wang and Jaret Wright in the New York rotation.

3/31/2006

Jody Gerut, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates sent Gerut to the minors Friday, meaning two Pittsburgh prospects, center fielders Chris Duffy and Nate McLouth, are likely to make the 25-man roster for opening day. Gerut hit for a higher average this spring than both Duffy and McLouth, hitting .349 (13-for-45), though with just three doubles and three RBIs.

3/23/2006

Damaso Marte, pit

The Beaver County Times is reporting that Marte threw off a mound Wednesday for the first time since he left a World Baseball Classic game because of a shoulder strain. The Pirates' left-hander told the newspaper he is confident he will pitch in an exhibition game before the weekend is out and should be ready to work out of the Pittsburgh bullpen by opening day.

3/21/2006

Brad Eldred, pit

After stroking nine doubles and 12 home runs in 190 at-bats with Pittsburgh in 2005, Eldred was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis Tuesday. The first-base prospect will get more developmental time after combining to hit 40 homers with 102 RBIs for Double-A Altoona, Indianapolis and the Pirates.

3/18/2006

Ian Snell, pit

Snell is making a serious bid to join fellow prospects Zach Duke and Paul Maholm in the Pittsburgh rotation. The 24-year-old right-hander worked four scoreless innings in a 3-2 win over Cleveland on Friday, lowering his ERA for the spring to 1.38. Snell has made four appearances and worked 13 innings.

2/28/2006

Jack Wilson, pit

Wilson and the Pittsburgh Pirates came to terms Tuesday on a three-year, $20 million contract extension. The Pirates' shortstop was heading into the second year of a two-year, $8 million deal this spring. In 2005, the 28-year-old Wilson batted .257 with a .299 on-base percentage and 52 RBIs in 158 games.

2/10/2006

Shawn Chacon, pit

Chacon and the New York Yankees reportedly agreed to terms with a one-year $3.6 million contract Friday, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for next week. The Yankees' pitcher was acquired from the Colorado Rockies on July 28, 2005. The former All-Star right-hander can earn $100,000 in performance bonuses.

1/4/2006

Ryan Vogelsong, pit

Vogelsong agreed to a $555,000, one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday. The 28-year-old right-hander could earn as much as $125,000 in bonuses next season as a starter and as much as $75,000 as a reliever. In 2005, Vogelsong was 2-2 with a 4.43 ERA in 44 games.

1/2/2006

Joe Randa, pit

Randa signed a $4 million, one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday. The 36-year-old third baseman agreed to the deal three days earlier and underwent a mandatory physical. Randa played in 126 games for the Pirates in 1997, batting .302 with 60 RBIs and seven home runs.

12/29/2005

Jeromy Burnitz, pit

The Baltimore Orioles and Burnitz have come to terms on a two-year deal that depends on the veteran outfielder passing a physical. An anonymous team source says Burnitz will sign a contract that will pay him $10-12 million over two years.

Joe Randa, pit

Randa has agreed to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for 2006. The 36-year-old third baseman, who reportedly will make in the vicinity of $4 million, batted .276 with a career-high 43 doubles, 17 home runs and 68 RBIs in 150 games for Cincinnati and San Diego in 2005.

12/27/2005

Jody Gerut, pit

Gerut signed an $875,000, one-year contract with the Pirates on Tuesday. The outfielder started the 2004 season with the Indians before being traded to the Cubs on July 19, and then being traded to the Pirates on July 31. A knee injury limited Gerut to just four hits in 18 at-bats with the Pirates.

12/9/2005

Damaso Marte, pit

Marte was traded from the White Sox to the Pirates for utilityman Rob Mackowiak on Thursday. The left-handed reliever was a valuable part of the White Sox' bullpen in 2005, going 3-4 with a 3.77 ERA and four saves in 66 appearances.

11/22/2005

Scott Strickland, pit

Strickland and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a minor league deal for 2006. The right-handed reliever is returning from Tommy John surgery that limited him to five big league appearances the last two seasons. Those appearances came in 2005 with Houston, where Strickland posted a 6.75 ERA over four innings of work. He would receive a $650,000 salary if he makes the Pirates' roster.

11/19/2005

Terry Adams, pit

Adams has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates that would pay the reliever $500,000 if he pitchers in the majors in 2006. The contract also includes incentives based on the number of games he appears in. Adams went 0-2 with a 12.82 ERA for the Phillies last season before being designated for assignment on May 24.

Sean Burnett, pit

Burnett, who missed the 2005 season after undergoing shoulder and elbow surgery, has been removed from Pittsburgh's 60-day disabled list.

John Van Benschoten, pit

Van Benschoten, who missed all of the 2005 season after undergoing shoulder surgery, has been removed from the 60-day disabled list.

Chris Duffy, pit

Duffy has been removed from Pittsburgh's 60-day disabled list.

11/18/2005

Xavier Nady, pit

The San Diego Padres dealt Nady to the New York Mets for Mike Cameron on Friday. Nady filled in at all three outfield spots, first base and even played a few games at third last season, batting .261 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs in 326 at-bats.

11/17/2005

Jason Bay, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Bay agreed to terms on a four-year, $18.25 million deal Thursday. The Pirates' left fielder is now signed through his arbitration-eligible years. In 2005, Bay batted .306 with 32 home runs and 101 RBIs in his second full season in the majors.

10/18/2005

Bryan Bullington, pit

Bullington on Monday underwent shoulder surgery, which revealed more extensive posterior labrum damage than anticipated. The Pirates' pitching prospect will be out until at least June 2006. The 25-year-old righthander, who made his major league debut in a September start for Pittsburgh, was expected to compete for a major league roster spot in the spring.

9/27/2005

Jody Gerut, pit

Gerut, who has not played since August 10 due to irritation to a surgically repaired tendon in his right knee, will not return to active duty until next year. In 59 games with the Pirates, Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians, he hit .253 in 370 at bats with one home run and 14 RBI.

9/20/2005

Ian Snell, pit

Snell earned his first career major league victory after pitching eight shutout innings, while striking out five and allowing only three hits and three walks. The excellent outing came against Roger Clemens and the Houston Astros.

Tom Gorzelanny, pit

Gorzelanny will make his major league debut on Tuesday night, starting on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates against Andy Pettitte and the Houston Astros. The 23-year-old lefthander was 8-5 with a 3.26 ERA in 23 starts for Double-A Altoona in 2005. He has just one game of experience above the Double-A level, as Gorzelanny worked a playoff game for Triple-A Indianapolis earlier this month.

9/18/2005

Paul Maholm, pit

On Saturday, for the second time in four major league starts, Maholm pitched eight scoreless innings of four-hit ball. The Pirates' rookie blanked the Cincinnati Reds and claimed his second big league win, a 4-0 Pittsburgh victory. The 23-year-old lefthander fanned a career-high eight batters against the Reds, and he's now 2-0 with a 1.24 ERA since he was recalled from the minors.

9/16/2005

Zach Duke, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates activated Duke on Friday, in time to start the first game of a doubleheader against Cincinnati late in the afternoon. The rookie lefthander has been out since August 23 with a sprained left ankle.

9/14/2005

Damaso Marte, pit

Marte's sore neck was examined Wednesday in Chicago by team physician Dr. Charles Bush-Joseph, and the team said Marte has a strained muscle on the side of his upper back. Manager Ozzie Guillen questioned whether Marte is hurt enough to be on the sidelines, and suggested that the lefthander may be headed for the disabled list. The manager again also expressed his frustration with Marte being late to a game on Sunday.

Jack Wilson, pit

As expected, Wilson wasn't in the Pittsburgh starting lineup Tuesday, after sitting out Monday's contest with stiffness in his lower back. The Pirates' shortstop did make a pinch-hitting appearance, however, and then finished the final three innings at short. He collected two hits in his two plate appearances.

9/13/2005

Jack Wilson, pit

Bothered by stiffness in his lower back, Wilson didn't play in Pittsburgh's loss to St. Louis on Monday. The Pirates' shortstop is expected to be sidelined on Tuesday as well. The injury isn't serious and Wilson should miss only a couple of days.

Ian Snell, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates recalled Snell on Monday, and the pitching prospect will start against 21-game winner Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. Snell was up for most of two months from late June through mid-August, and the 23-year-old righthander was 0-2 with a 6.84 ERA in two starts and 10 relief appearances.

Nate McLouth, pit

McLouth left Pittsburgh's Monday night game early because of a contusion to the right elbow after being hit by a pitch in the fourth inning. The injury to the rookie outfielder is not considered serious, but he will miss Tuesday night's showdown against the St. Louis Cardinals.

9/12/2005

Damaso Marte, pit

Marte was sent home before Sunday's game against the Angels after arriving late to the ballpark, an infraction that isn't taken lightly by White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. The manager was miffed because Marte has been nagged by a sore neck and should have arrived early enough to receive treatment.

Zach Duke, pit

Although Duke continues to experience tenderness in his sprained left ankle, the Pittsburgh Pirates have tentatively targeted Friday for the rookie's return to the rotation. If he is ready on Friday, he would face the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh.

9/10/2005

Zach Duke, pit

Although Duke reported little problem with his injured ankle during a 60-pitch bullpen session on Friday, the team's pitching coach rejected the idea that Duke would return to the rotation on Tuesday, saying no timetable has been established.

9/9/2005

Zach Duke, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates are tentatively targeting Tuesday for Duke's return from an ankle sprain. The rookie lefthander, who hasn't pitched since August 23, would face St. Louis and Cy Young candidate Chris Carpenter if he's ready to go on Tuesday. In 10 starts for the Pirates this season, Duke is 6-0 with a 1.81 ERA.

9/8/2005

Zach Duke, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates were looking to start Duke during their weekend series in Cincinnati, but the rookie lefthander suffered a setback with his sprained left ankle during fielding practice on Wednesday. Duke may miss another week.

9/6/2005

Zach Duke, pit

Posting a 3-0, 2.83 record before landing on the disabled list was good enough for Duke to reap National League Rookie of the Month honors for the second consecutive month. In 10 major league starts, Duke is 6-0 with a 1.81 ERA.

8/31/2005

Jonah Bayliss, pit

The Kansas City Royals on Tuesday recalled outfielder Matt Diaz and optioned Bayliss to Double-A Wichita. The 25-year-old righthander has posted a 4.63 ERA in 11 relief appearances during two stints with the Royals.

Paul Maholm, pit

Maholm enjoyed an impressive big league debut on Tuesday, working eight scoreless innings in a 6-0 Pittsburgh win over Milwaukee. The 23-year-old lefthander allowed four hits and three walks while fanning five Brewers.

8/30/2005

Ryan Doumit, pit

Doumit, who suffered a mild concussion after being hit by a foul tip while catching Saturday night, is expected to play Tuesday in Milwaukee. He wasn't penciled into the Pirates' lineup on Monday against Cincinnati, but the game was rained out before play began. Reportedly some dizziness has been the worst of Doumit's symptoms. The 24-year-old switch-hitting catcher is batting .253 with four homers and 26 RBI in 55 games with Pittsburgh.

8/29/2005

Jose Castillo, pit

Castillo, who is out for the year with a tear in the medial collateral ligament of his left knee, was moved to the 60-day disabled list over the weekend. He finishes the 2005 season at .268 with 11 home runs and 53 RBI in 100 games.

Chris Duffy, pit

Duffy, who has been nursing a left hamstring injury for most of August, has a muscle tear and isn't likely to play again this season. The Pittsburgh Pirates placed him on the 15-day disabled list Sunday and activated Craig Wilson from the DL to take his roster spot.

Paul Maholm, pit

On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Pirates placed rookie lefthander Zach Day on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Maholm from Triple-A Indianapolis. The 23-year-old pitching prospect was 7-3 with a 3.30 ERA in 22 starts between Double-A Altoona and Indianapolis. The southpaw was 1-1 with a 3.53 ERA in six Triple-A starts.

8/28/2005

Zach Duke, pit

On Saturday the Pirates placed rookie sensation Zach Duke on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left ankle. Duke injured the ankle sliding back into second base on Tuesday versus the Cardinals. Duke was a leading candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year award, as he was 6-0 with a 1.81 ERA in 10 starts.

8/26/2005

Shawn Chacon, pit

Chacon recorded his third consecutive win, allowing six hits and two runs over seven innings, as the Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 6-2.

8/25/2005

Mike Edwards, pit

Edwards has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas by the Los Angeles Dodgers, filling the roster spot of outfielder Milton Bradley, who likely will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. In 62 games with the Dodgers this season, the third baseman/outfielder is batting .271 with one home run, nine RBI and a stolen base.

8/24/2005

Jeromy Burnitz, pit

Burnitz went 2-for-4 in Tuesday's win over the Atlanta Braves, belting the eighth grand slam of his major league career. The Cubs' outfielder had just eight hits in his first 53 at-bats this month, but in five games since, he is 9-for-22 (.409) with a pair of home runs and nine RBI.

Victor Santos, pit

After giving up seven runs on nine hits -- including two home runs -- in Sunday's loss to the Houston Astros, Santos has lost his spot in the Milwaukee Brewers' starting rotation. The righthander, who now will pitch in long relief, will be replaced by veteran Rick Helling.

Jose Castillo, pit

Further tests on Castillo's ailing left knee have revealed a tear in the medial collateral ligament, an injury that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the 2005 campaign. The Pirates' second baseman, who was hurt while turning a double play against the Cardinals earlier this week, is not expected to need surgery. He finishes the season batting .268 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs in 100 games.

Zach Duke, pit

The sprained left ankle Duke suffered while running the bases in Tuesday's meeting with the St. Louis Cardinals is not considered serious, but the Pirates likely will skip his next turn in the rotation as a precautionary measure. The rookie lefthander was sporting a protective boot on his foot after the game. In 10 starts with Pittsburgh this season, Duke is a perfect 6-0 with a 1.81 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.

Nate McLouth, pit

McLouth hit his first career home run on Tuesday night in the Pirates' 10-0 win over St. Louis. The 2-run shot came in the fourth inning off of Jason Marquis. The Pirates' outfielder finished the night 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs.

8/23/2005

Jose Castillo, pit

The Pirates placed Castillo on the 15-day disabled list Monday night after the second baseman suffered a knee injury. He injured his left knee while turning a double play against the Cardinals. An MRI is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the extent of the damage. Ty Wigginton was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to replace Castillo.

Zach Duke, pit

While on the basepaths on Friday night, Pirates starting pitcher Zach Duke injured his left ankle. Duke was on second base when Nate McLouth hit a line drive that tipped off the glove of Cardinals shortstop David Eckstein. Thinking the ball would be caught, Duke slid back into second and jammed his ankle on the base. Duke limped off the field mid-play, and was tagged out.

8/21/2005

Xavier Nady, pit

Belting a Joey Devine pitch over the center-field wall in the 13th inning of Saturday's victory over the Atlanta Braves, Nady notched the first grand slam of his major league career. It was the only hit of the day for the Padres' outfielder/first baseman, who finished 1-for-6, dropping his season batting average to .266.

Shawn Chacon, pit

Chacon notched his second win in a row, tossing eight shutout innings in Saturday's 5-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox. The Yankees' righthander, who was acquired from the Colorado Rockies late last month, scattered four hits, struck out five and walked three.

8/19/2005

Joe Randa, pit

Due to some minor stiffness in his back, Randa was absent from the Padres' lineup for Thursday's meeting with the Florida Marlins. The third baseman, who has been listed as day-to-day, was replaced at the hot corner by Damian Jackson. On the year, Randa is hitting .277 with 13 home runs and 53 RBI in 112 games.

Zach Duke, pit

After allowing four runs in each of his previous two outings, Duke got back in a groove in Thursday's meeting with the New York, baffling the Mets' batters and limiting them to just two hits over seven shutout innings. The 22-year-old lefthander, who struck out five and walked one, has yet to lose a game in the major leagues, going a perfect 6-0 with a 1.87 ERA in nine starts since being recalled last month.

8/16/2005

Mike Gonzalez, pit

Gonzalez will be back in the Pirates' bullpen in time for Tuesday night's game against the New York Mets after being activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day. The Pirates' lefthander had been on the DL since mid-June with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, an injury that has bothered him most of the season. Ian Snell was optioned to the minor leagues to open a spot on the roster.

Ian Snell, pit

Snell has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pittsburgh Pirates, opening a spot on the roster for reliever Mike Gonzalez, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. In 12 appearances with the major league club this season, including two starts, Snell is 0-2 with a 6.84 ERA.

8/15/2005

Zach Duke, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates are giving Duke extra days of rest between starts, as the 22-year-old lefthander has surpassed his single-season high for innings in 2005. After going 12-3 (2.92 ERA) over 108 innings for Triple-A Nashville, Duke is 5-0 (2.13 ERA) in 50.2 innings of work for the Pirates. His next outing will push him beyond 160 innings.

8/12/2005

Jason Bay, pit

Bay has hit safely in nine of 10 games in August, including a 3-for-4 performance in Thursday's victory over the Colorado Rockies. For the month, the Pirates' outfielder is 15-for-38 (.395) with three home runs, 13 RBI and five stolen bases.

Jose Castillo, pit

Castillo's recent hot hitting continued in Thursday's win over the Colorado Rockies, as he went 3-for-5 with a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Over his last five games, the Pirates' second baseman is 10-for-22 (.455) with three doubles and seven RBI.

8/11/2005

Jody Gerut, pit

Gerut is nursing an irritated tendon in his right knee, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have placed him on the 15-day disabled list as a result. The outfielder, who has spent time on three different teams this season, will be replaced on the roster by Nate McLouth.

Mike Edwards, pit

Edwards has been optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas by the Los Angeles Dodgers, opening a spot on the roster for outfielder Jose Cruz, who was acquired from the Boston Red Sox earlier this week. In 62 games with the Dodgers this season, the third baseman/outfielder is batting .271 with one home run, nine RBI and a stolen base.

Nate McLouth, pit

McLouth has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pittsburgh Pirates, filling the roster spot of the injured Jody Gerut. In 109 games with the minor league club this season, McLouth was batting .297 with five home runs and 39 RBI.

Chris Duffy, pit

Nursing a tight hamstring, Duffy has been absent from the Pittsburgh Pirates' lineup since August 6, missing four consecutive starts. The outfielder, who is batting .388 with four doubles, one home run, seven RBI and two stolen bases in 28 games with the Pirates this season, continues to be listed as day-to-day.

8/6/2005

Jonah Bayliss, pit

The Kansas City Royals recalled Bayliss from Double-A Wichita on Saturday. The pitcher, who threw 3.1 scoreless innings in four appearances during an earlier stint with the Royals this season, replaces the demoted Leo Nunez in the bullpen.

8/5/2005

Joe Randa, pit

Randa fouled a ball off his foot while taking batting practice prior to Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and was scratched from the Padres' lineup as a result. The injury is not considered serious, so the veteran third baseman should be back in action this weekend. Officially, he is listed as day-to-day.

Mike Gonzalez, pit

Gonzalez reported no problems after throwing in the bullpen on Thursday, and as a result, he is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment early next week. The Pirates' lefthander has been on the 15-day disabled list since mid-June with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, an injury that has bothered him most of the season.

8/3/2005

Zach Duke, pit

Duke, who burst upon the National League scene like a supernova, was named the league's Rookie of the Month for July. In six starts for the Pirates since his arrival July 2, he has posted a 4-0 record with a dazzling 0.92 ERA, allowing just five runs in 39.1 innings while striking out 29.

8/2/2005

Jason Bay, pit

Despite, the swelling, array of colors and a noticeable limp, Bay says he expects to play through a leg contusion he suffered when he fouled a pitch off the inside of his left knee on Monday. The Pirates' left fielder fouled off the pitch in the fifth inning, and he departed in the sixth for X-rays, which were negative.

Zach Duke, pit

On Monday, Duke worked his fifth quality start in six outings since he was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on July 1. The Pirates' southpaw limited Atlanta to a run on seven hits over 8.1 innings for a 4-1 decision over the Braves, and he improved to 4-0 on the season. The 22-year-old prospect has allowed more than a single run in a start only once -- his major league debut in Milwaukee on July 2. He has a 0.92 ERA over 39.1 innings.

7/31/2005

Xavier Nady, pit

While Nady has been getting time at first base since Phil Nevin was traded to Texas, Ryan Klesko has been taking groundballs at first in recent days. The Padres are considering a move there for Klesko.

Jody Gerut, pit

Gerut has been traded for the second time in two weeks, this time moving from the Chicago Cubs to the Pittsburgh Pirates for veteran Matt Lawton. Gerut went just 1-for-14 for the Cubs since arriving from Cleveland for outfield prospect Jason Dubois on July 18. For the season, Gerut is batting .257 with a homer and 12 RBI in 55 games.

7/29/2005

Shawn Chacon, pit

The New York Yankees acquired Chacon from the Colorado Rockies late Thursday, in exchange for two minor league righthanders. In 12 starts and a relief appearance, the 27-year-old Chacon was 1-7 with a respectable 4.07 ERA for the Rockies. The Yankees need him to fill one of their numerous holes in the major league rotation. He probably will pitch Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

7/28/2005

Xavier Nady, pit

The San Diego Padres plan to get Nady more playing time going forward, primarily at first base at the expense of Phil Nevin, who nixed a potential trade that would have sent him to the Baltimore Orioles. In 76 games this season (201 at-bats), Nady -- primarily an outfielder -- has batted .279 with 11 home runs, 33 RBI and two stolen bases.

7/27/2005

Chris Duffy, pit

Duffy posted a career-high four hits in Tuesday's win over the Florida Marlins, going 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. The rookie outfielder also stole the first two bases of his major league career. In 17 games with the Pirates this season, Duffy is batting .326 with a pair of doubles and two RBI.

7/23/2005

Joe Randa, pit

Randa was traded to the San Diego Padres Saturday, in exchange for minor league pitchers Justin Germano and Travis Chick. Randa is hitting .289 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI on the season.

7/22/2005

Brad Eldred, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled Eldred from Triple-A Indianapolis, replacing demoted infielder Bobby Hill on the roster. In 54 games with the minor league club this season, the first baseman was batting .282 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI in 54 games. Over his last 11 contests, he had belted 10 homers with 23 RBI.

7/21/2005

Chris Duffy, pit

Duffy, who was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis earlier this week to fill in for the injured Craig Wilson, is expected to handle the majority of the duties in center field for the Pirates, according to manager Lloyd McClendon. The outfielder also will remain at the top of the batting order for the time being.

7/20/2005

Ryan Doumit, pit

Doumit went deep twice in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Houston Astros, notching the first and second home runs of his major league career. The Pirates' 24-year-old catcher, who made his debut earlier this season, is batting just .195 with 12 RBI and two stolen bases in 30 games. He's struck out 19 times in 82 at-bats.

7/19/2005

Damaso Marte, pit

White Sox closer Dustin Hermanson is sidelined with lower back pain and Marte may pick up a save opportunity or two while Hermanson is out. Marte, arguably the Sox' best lefthanded option in the bullpen, already has three saves to go along with his 3-3 record, 2.67 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 27 innings.

Jody Gerut, pit

The Cleveland Indians have traded Gerut to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for fellow outfielder Jason Dubois. Coming off knee surgery, the 27-year-old Gerut, who is an Illinois native, was the odd man out in the Indians' outfield rotation this season. In 43 games (135 at-bats), he has batted .267 with one home run, 11 RBI and a stolen base.

Jason Bay, pit

Bay's recent struggles at the plate continued in Monday's loss to the Houston Astros, as he went 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a pair of walks. The Pirates' All-Star outfielder has notched just two hits in his last 33 at-bats, seeing his batting average plummet more than 20 points.

7/17/2005

Zach Duke, pit

Duke helped lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, allowing just six hits over eight shutout innings. With the outing, the rookie lefthander, who struck out four and walked two, extended his scoreless-innings streak to 17.

Chris Duffy, pit

Duffy has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The outfielder, who takes the roster spot of the injured Craig Wilson, had a short stint with the Pirates earlier this season, going 1-for-6 with a double, RBI and four strikeouts in six at-bats.

7/14/2005

Damaso Marte, pit

The Chicago White Sox activated Marte from the 15-day disabled list Thursday. The lefthanded reliever, who went on the DL with a sore biceps in late June, returns with a 3-3 record, two saves and a 2.81 ERA in 34 relief appearances.

7/8/2005

Jorge Vasquez, pit

Vasquez was optioned to the Braves' Triple-A club in Richmond. He had made seven relief appearances with Atlanta, winning one game while posting a 3.00 ERA over nine innings.

Zach Duke, pit

Duke turned in another solid performance and picked up the first win of his major league career in Thursday's 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Pirates' 22-year-old lefthander, who was recalled last week, scattered six hits over seven shutout innings, struck out eight and walked one.

7/7/2005

Shawn Chacon, pit

Following a month's absence because of a strained left hamstring, Chacon was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies in time to take the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. The righthander struggled in his return, allowing six runs on seven hits in six innings of work. He struck out two and walked a pair. Reliever Matt Anderson was demoted to Triple-A Colorado Springs to open a spot on the roster.

Jonah Bayliss, pit

Bayliss has been optioned to the minor leagues by the Kansas City Royals, creating a space on the roster for lefthander Jeremy Affeldt. The 24-year-old righthander appeared in just four games during his short stint with the Royals, allowing one run and striking out two batters in 3.1 scoreless innings of work.

7/6/2005

Damaso Marte, pit

Marte, who went on the disabled list with a sore left biceps near the end of June, will follow Orlando Hernandez to the mound Sunday for Triple-A Charlotte in Louisville. The lefthanded reliever should return to the White Sox early in the second half if all goes well during Sunday's relief appearance.

7/5/2005

Jose Castillo, pit

Castillo was 2-for-2 with a run scored in Monday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, but tweaked his leg while running the bases and was pulled from the Pirates' lineup as a precautionary measure. The second baseman will be re-evaluated on Tuesday, but his ailment is not considered serious.

7/1/2005

Zach Duke, pit

Duke will make his major league debut in Saturday's matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers after having his contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. The 22-year-old lefthander will be filling in for Oliver Perez, who will miss at least three weeks with a broken left big toe. In 16 starts with Triple-A Indianapolis this season, Duke has posted a 12-3 record and 2.92 ERA.

Nate McLouth, pit

To open a spot on the roster for pitching prospect Zach Duke, the Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned McLouth back to Triple-A Indianapolis. The outfielder made his major league debut earlier this week and went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in his short stint with the Pirates.

6/30/2005

Damaso Marte, pit

Prior to their game against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, the Chicago White Sox placed Marte on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Monday, with an inflamed left trapezius. The 30-year-old lefthander is 3-3 with two saves and a 2.81 ERA in a team-high 34 games this season.

Jose Castillo, pit

Battling chest pain related to asthma, Castillo was forced to leave in the sixth inning of Wednesday's meeting with the Washington Nationals. According to the Pirates, the ailment is minor, and the second baseman will be available for Thursday's action. He was replaced in the lineup by Freddy Sanchez.

6/28/2005

Xavier Nady, pit

Nady is just two shy of the Padres' all-time record for consecutive games with a home run after clearing the fence with a solo shot in the second inning of Monday's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The outfielder, who has been filling in for the ailing Dave Roberts recently, has homered in each of his last four contests.

Nate McLouth, pit

McLouth has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pittsburgh Pirates, filling the roster spot of injured lefthander Oliver Perez, who is out with a broken left big toe. The outfielder has been solid for the minor league club this season, batting .306 with five home runs, 32 RBI and 23 stolen bases.

6/27/2005

Jason Bay, pit

Bay went 3-for-4 with a double, two home runs and four RBI in Sunday's extra-inning victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Pirates' outfielder, who hit a three-run homer in the third inning before connecting for a solo shot in the ninth, now has five multihomer games in his major league career.

6/26/2005

Xavier Nady, pit

With Dave Roberts out at least a few days with a patella tendon injury, Nady will pick up playing time in center field for the San Diego Padres. Nady was in the starting lineup on Saturday after Roberts was injured on Friday night, and Nady powered a three-run homer in the Padres' 8-5 win over Seattle.

6/24/2005

Mike Gonzalez, pit

Gonzalez has been diagnosed with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, an injury that has landed him on the 15-day disabled list. The Pirates' lefthander first started noticing discomfort in the knee in April, but has been pitching through the pain. The club has decided to give him some time off to let the leg heal. He will be replaced in the bullpen my fellow southpaw Mike Johnston.

Mike Johnston, pit

Johnston has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pittsburgh Pirates, replacing fellow lefthander Mike Gonzalez, who will miss at least the next two weeks with a sprained ligament in his left knee. Johnston made 24 relief appearances with the Pirates last season, going 0-3 with a 4.37 ERA.

6/23/2005

Freddy Sanchez, pit

According to Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon, Sanchez is currently about 70 percent recovered from the hamstring injury that has forced him to miss the team's last three games. The infielder, who is batting .289 with 10 doubles and 11 RBI in 50 games this season, continues to be listed as day-to-day.

6/22/2005

Jonah Bayliss, pit

Bayliss made his major league debut by tossing a scoreless inning and striking out a batter in Tuesday's loss to the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old righthander had his contract purchased from Double-A Wichita by the Kansas City Royals earlier in the day. He posted a 1-2 record and notched six saves with the minor league club this season.

6/14/2005

Damaso Marte, pit

Marte had a problem-free bullpen session on Monday, and he appears ready for game action on Tuesday. The White Sox' lefthanded reliever has been bothered by discomfort in his left biceps in recent days. The 30-year-old Marte is 3-3 with two saves and a 2.35 ERA in 29 relief appearances.

6/13/2005

Damaso Marte, pit

Despite continued soreness in Marte's left biceps, Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen believes the lefthanded reliever can avoid the disabled list. The manager is hoping Marte can start throwing on Monday or Tuesday and return soon after that. The southpaw is day-to-day.

6/9/2005

C.J. Nitkowski, pit

Roughly two weeks after his release by Pittsburgh and his quick signing by Washington, Nitkowski was outrighted to Triple-A New Orleans by the Nationals Wednesday. Although he was the only lefthander on the Washington roster, the 32-year-old veteran was sent down after posting an 8.10 ERA in seven relief appearances since joining the Nats on May 27.

Damaso Marte, pit

In Chicago's 15-5 win over Colorado Wednesday, Marte left in the seventh with a sore left bicep. The White Sox' lefthander departed after throwing a pitch to the Rockies' Todd Helton.

6/5/2005

Ryan Doumit, pit

Doumit has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pittsburgh Pirates, filling the roster spot of struggling third baseman Ty Wigginton, who was demoted to the minor league club on Saturday. The catcher/outfielder, one of the Pirates' top prospects, was batting .344 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI with Indianapolis this season.

6/4/2005

Jody Gerut, pit

With Coco Crisp back from the disabled list, there's a logjam in the Cleveland outfield. Perhaps Gerut will lose some playing time in the four-man mix of Gerut, Crisp, Grady Sizemore and Casey Blake. Gerut has started fast since being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on May 18. He has batted .327 with a .411 on-base percentage in 15 games.

Shawn Chacon, pit

The Rockies have placed Chacon on the disabled list, retroactive to June 3. The pitcher suffered a strained left hamstring running the bases against Chicago on May 26, but did go five innings in a start against St. Louis on Thursday, getting a no-decision.

6/2/2005

Jack Wilson, pit

After batting a career-best .308 in 2004, Wilson has been mired in a slump for the majority of the 2005 campaign. However, the Pirates' shortstop has shown signs of life recently. He went a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, triple and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Florida Marlins, extending his current hitting streak to six games. Over that span, Wilson has gone 13-for-26 (.500) with four doubles and just one strikeout.

Freddy Sanchez, pit

On Thursday, Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon said that Sanchez will continue to get most of the at-bats at third base, as he has in recent days. Sanchez has proven to be a better defensive player at third than Ty Wigginton, and his bat has become an asset.

5/31/2005

Shawn Chacon, pit

If Chacon has no problems in his bullpen session on Tuesday, he will be ready to take the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, as scheduled. The Rockies' righthander has been limited since spraining his right ankle while breaking back to first base in the fifth inning of last Monday's matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers.

5/26/2005

C.J. Nitkowski, pit

Shortly after being released by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Nitkowski has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals. The lefthander had been pitching for the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis, going 2-0 with a 0.83 ERA and three saves in 19 appearances. Zach Day was designated for assignment to make room on the Nationals' roster for Nitkowski.

5/25/2005

Britt Reames, pit

The Oakland A's have purchased Reames' contract from Triple-A Sacramento. The righthander is 7-13 with a 5.00 ERA in 93 games in his career, but has not pitched in a major league contest since 2003. Outfielder Jermaine Clark was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Reames.

5/24/2005

Joe Randa, pit

Nursing a sore left foot, Randa was a late scratch from the Reds' lineup for Monday's game against the Washington Nationals. The veteran third baseman, who was replaced by utilityman Ryan Freel, is not expected to miss much time. He could be back as early as Tuesday.

Terry Adams, pit

Adams has been designated for assignment by the Philadelphia Phillies. The team would like the veteran righthander to report to their Triple-A affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to get in some extra work, and possibly rejoin the major league club later in the year. Adams will have until the end of the week to make a final decision.

Shawn Chacon, pit

While breaking back to first base in the fifth inning of Monday's matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers, Chacon sprained his right ankle and was forced to leave the game. The Rockies' righthander, who allowed two runs on three hits prior to his departure, will be evaluated over the next couple of days to determine if he will be ready to take the mound against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, as scheduled.

Sean Burnett, pit

On Tuesday, Burnett underwent surgery to repair a labrum tear in his pitching shoulder. The 22-year-old lefthander, who underwent elbow surgery in September as well, is expected to be sidelined until spring training next year. He was 5-5 with a 5.02 ERA in his first 13 big league starts last summer before going under the knife.

5/18/2005

Jody Gerut, pit

With Coco Crisp going on the disabled list Wednesday with a hand injury, the Cleveland Indians have recalled Gerut from Triple-A Buffalo to take his roster spot. Gerut has been playing at Buffalo since completing a minor league rehab assignment last week. He has been recovering from surgical reconstruction of the ACL in his right knee last September.

Gerut was hitting .438 with three homers and eight RBI in 12 games at Buffalo. He and Ryan Ludwick will compete for playing time in left field with Crisp sidelined.

5/15/2005

Joe Randa, pit

Randa will be out of the Reds' starting lineup on Sunday for a scheduled day off. Reserve infielder Ryan Freel will get the start in his place. Randa is batting .297 on the year with four home runs and 22 RBI in 35 games.

5/13/2005

Jody Gerut, pit

The Cleveland Indians activated Gerut from the disabled list on Friday. Recovered from surgical reconstruction of the ACL of his right knee, the 27-year-old outfielder was immediately optioned to Triple-A Buffalo, where he had been playing since May 3 as part of his minor league rehab assignment. The Indians chose to use one of their two remaining options on Gerut instead of bringing him up to the majors.

Gerut is batting .394 (13-for-33) with two homers and five RBI in eight games at Buffalo.

Ray Sadler, pit

Sadler has been optioned back to the minor leagues by the Pittsburgh Pirates, opening a spot on the roster for Michael Restovich, who was acquired from the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. The 24-year-old outfielder went 2-for-8 with a home run and one RBI in three games during his short stint with Pittsburgh after having his contract purchased from Double-A Altoona earlier this week.

5/12/2005

Matt Whiteside, pit

After a three-week stay with Toronto, Whiteside was outrighted back to Triple-A Syracuse by the Jays. The 37-year-old righthander was roughed up in both of his long-relief appearances, posting a 19.64 ERA for Toronto.

The Jays replaced Whiteside with Scott Downs, whom Toronto manager John Gibbons thought was better suited for a long-relief role.

5/11/2005

Jason Bay, pit

Bay extended his current hitting streak to nine games, belting a home run in Tuesday's win over the San Francisco Giants. Over that span, the Pirates' outfielder is 15-for-39 (.385) with three doubles, four home runs and 10 RBI despite striking out 11 times.

The 2004 National League Rookie of the Year, Bay is batting .315 with six homers, 17 RBI and two stolen bases in 32 games this season. He will continue to serve as one of the Pirates' top run producers and a solid fantasy option.

Ray Sadler, pit

Sadler notched the first hit of his major league career, belting a Noah Lowry pitch over the left-field wall in the third inning of Wednesday's victory over the San Francisco Giants. The Pirates' outfielder, who also singled later in the contest, is now 2-for-8 in three games with Pittsburgh since having his contract purchased from Double-A Altoona earlier this week.

Sadler was called up when Craig Wilson was forced to undergo surgery on his ailing finger. He likely won't be in the lineup on a daily basis, especially with Wednesday's acquisition of Michael Restovich.

5/9/2005

Ray Sadler, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates have purchased Sadler's contract from Double-A Altoona, filling the roster spot of injured first baseman/outfielder Craig Wilson. In eight games with the minor league club this season, the outfielder is batting .290 with one home run and two RBI.

Sadler will be making his major league debut. He probably won't see significant playing time as a backup in the Pirates' outfield, so his fantasy value is limited.

5/5/2005

Mike Edwards, pit

The Los Angeles Dodgers have purchased Edwards' contract from Triple-A Las Vegas, filling the roster spot of veteran infielder Jose Valentin, who will miss at least two months with torn ligaments in his knee. The 28-year-old Edwards has appeared in just four major league games.

Edwards will figure into the mix at third base during Valentin's absence, along with Norihiro Nakamura, Olmedo Saenz and Antonio Perez. Since he likely won't be in the lineup on a daily basis, Edwards' fantasy value is limited at this point.

Jose Castillo, pit

Following nearly a month-long absence due to a strained left oblique muscle, Castillo has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The infielder takes the roster spot of Alfredo Amezaga, who was designated for assignment. Castillo is 0-for-4 with two strikeouts so far this season after batting .256 with eight home runs, 39 RBI and three stolen bases in 129 games with Pittsburgh in 2004.

Castillo eventually should reclaim the starting job at second base, but for the time being, he might be forced to split time with Rob Mackowiak, who as filled in at the position during his absence.

4/30/2005

Jose Castillo, pit

Castillo was scheduled to begin his minor league rehab stint at Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday. The infielder, who is sidelined with a strained oblique muscle, was supposed to begin the rehab assignment earlier in the week, but it was pushed back after he experienced neck stiffness while taking batting practice.

4/25/2005

Mike Gonzalez, pit

Gonzalez has been battling some soreness in his left knee over the past week, so the Pirates have held him out of action since last Thursday as a precautionary measure. The injury is not serious enough to warrant a trip to the disabled list, and the club hopes the lefthander will be available within the next couple of days.

Gonzalez will be evaluated on a daily basis to determine his status. In eight appearances this season, he has allowed four runs on five hits in 7.2 innings, striking out 10 and walking four. The Pirates view Gonzalez as their closer of the future, but Jose Mesa will continue to handle most save opportunities for now.

4/23/2005

Jack Wilson, pit

Wilson has been dropped from the No. 2 to the No. 7 slot in Pittsburgh's batting order. Wilson, who is batting just .134 on the season, is hitless in his last 23 at-bats.

4/21/2005

Jason Bay, pit

Bay, who had just two hits in his previous 18 at-bats, broke out of his minor slump by going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and his first home run of the 2005 campaign in Thursday's victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates' outfielder finished a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.

Bay missed more than three weeks of spring training with a bruised left wrist, so a slow start to the regular season was almost expected. Once he gets back in stride, he should start to produce as well as in 2004, when he batted .282 with 26 home runs, 82 RBI and four stolen bases in 120 games.

Jose Castillo, pit

Castillo was cleared to take some batting practice in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, as he continues to recover from a strained left oblique muscle. The Pirates' second baseman is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list as early as Friday, but he is expected to go on a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis prior to returning to the major league club. Rob Mackowiak will remain the primary starter at second in his absence.

The Pirates are not going to rush Castillo back into action, so he'll likely be out for at least another week. He is 0-for-4 with two strikeouts so far this season after batting .256 with eight home runs, 39 RBI and three stolen bases in 129 games with Pittsburgh in 2004.

Chris Duffy, pit

The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned Duffy to Triple-A Syracuse, opening a spot on the roster for infielder Alfredo Amezaga, who was claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. Duffy, an outfielder, has seen limited playing time with the Pirates this season, going 1-for-6 with a double, RBI and four strikeouts in six at-bats.

4/20/2005

Matt Whiteside, pit

The Toronto Blue Jays have purchased Whiteside's contract from Triple-A Syracuse. The veteran righthander, who has not pitched in the major leagues since 2001, fills the roster spot of demoted 22-year-old Brandon League.

Whiteside has made 284 career appearances in the majors, going 18-15 with a 5.10 ERA and nine saves. He will pitch in middle relief with the Jays.

Humberto Cota, pit

According to Pittsburgh Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon, with veteran Bentito Santiago sidelined with a viral infection, Cota will step in as the team's top catcher, despite the recent solid play of David Ross. Cota was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday after missing the first couple weeks of the 2005 campaign with a strained oblique muscle.

Ross should get an occasional start as well, but it appears Cota should log most of the time behind the plate for the time being. In 36 games with Pittsburgh last season, Cota batted .227 with five home runs and eight RBI.

4/19/2005

Humberto Cota, pit

After wrapping up a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis, Cota has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The catcher, who missed the first couple weeks of the 2005 campaign with a strained oblique muscle, fills the roster spot of the ailing Benito Santiago.

For the time being, Cota likely will serve as a backup to David Ross, who has played well in the starting role for the Pirates. In 36 games with Pittsburgh last season, Cota batted .227 with five home runs and eight RBI.

Xavier Nady, pit

Dave Roberts' return to the Padres' lineup couldn't have come at a better time, as Nady is nursing a sore right elbow, according to manager Bruce Bochy. Nady, who filled the void in center field during Roberts' absence, now takes the role of the team's fourth outfielder. He is batting .333 with three home runs, 11 RBI and two stolen bases, but is hitless in his last eight at-bats.

Nady's injury is not considered serious, and he was able to pinch-hit late in Monday's game. Nady will get the nod when one of the Padres' regular starters needs a day off, but obviously, his fantasy value takes a slight hit by not being an everyday player.

4/18/2005

Jose Castillo, pit

Castillo's strained left oblique muscle continues to recover, and the Pirates are optimistic that the infielder will be ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment early next week. He should be cleared to resume swinging a bat within the next several days. Until Castillo is activated from the disabled list, Rob Mackowiak will remain the primary starter at second base, with Bobby Hill and Freddy Sanchez occasionally getting the call.

Castillo is 0-for-4 with two strikeouts so far this season after batting .256 with eight home runs, 39 RBI and three stolen bases in 129 games with Pittsburgh in 2004.

4/15/2005

Humberto Cota, pit

Cota's strained left oblique muscle is nearly healed, and he is eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list. But before rejoining the Pittsburgh Pirates, the catcher will be sent on a minor league rehab assignment for at least a week. Cota, who has been sidelined since late in spring training, is scheduled to report to Triple-A Indianapolis this weekend.

Cota missed nearly two months with a similar injury last season, so the Pirates are going to bring him along slowly. David Ross continues to serve as Benito Santiago's primary backup in Cota's absence, and it will be interesting to see how the Pirates split up the time behind the plate once Cota is back with the big league club.

4/13/2005

Xavier Nady, pit

Nady continues to impress as the Padres' everyday center fielder, filling in for the injured Dave Roberts. In the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs, Nady matched a career high with four hits, including two doubles. Through eight contests, he is batting .433 with a triple, three doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI.

If Nady keeps it up, the Padres might have a tough decision to make when Roberts returns later this month.

4/8/2005

Xavier Nady, pit

Nady was not expected to play in Thursday's home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, due to strep throat. But after his replacement, Eric Young, left with a separated right shoulder and the game went into extra innings, the outfielder was forced into action. He finished 0-for-1 with a walk and an RBI in limited duty.

Nady has been starting in center field for Dave Roberts, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Through three games, he is 4-for-9 with two home runs and five RBI. The Padres hope to have Nady back in the starting lineup this weekend.

Jack Wilson, pit

Wilson tested out his bruised left hand in batting practice prior to Thursday's game against the San Diego Padres and decided it was too sore for him to play. The shortstop, who was hit by a pitch late in Wednesday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, was replaced in the Pirates' lineup by Freddy Sanchez.

Wilson's injury is not serious, and he hopes to be back in action this weekend. He had a career year in 2004, batting .308 with 11 home runs, 59 RBI and eight stolen bases in 157 games.

4/7/2005

Joe Randa, pit

After belting a game-winning solo shot in Monday's season-opening victory over the New York Mets, Randa followed up his performance by going 3-for-4 with a grand slam and a career-high six RBI in Wednesday's win. Through two games, the Reds' veteran third baseman is 5-for-8 with two homers, a double and seven RBI.

Randa batted .287 with eight home runs and 56 RBI in 128 games with the Kansas City Royals last year. His career high for homers in a season is 16 (1999 and 2003).

Jose Castillo, pit

Castillo's strained left oblique muscle is serious enough to warrant a trip to the 15-day disabled list. The Pirates' second baseman, who suffered the injury during an at-bat in the second inning of Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, will be replaced on the active roster by outfielder Chris Duffy.

With Castillo sidelined until late April, Bobby Hill, Rob Mackowiak and Freddy Sanchez all could see time at second. Castillo is 0-for-4 with two strikeouts so far this season after batting .256 with eight home runs, 39 RBI and three stolen bases in 129 games with Pittsburgh in 2004.

Chris Duffy, pit

Duffy has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pittsburgh Pirates, filling the roster spot of second baseman Jose Castillo, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique. In 25 exhibition games with the Pirates this spring, Duffy batted .339 with one home run and 13 RBI.

Unless one of the Pirates' regular outfielders goes down with injury, Duffy likely won't see much playing time with the big league club. He spent last season at Double-A, hitting .309 with eight home runs, 41 RBI and 30 stolen bases in 113 contests.

4/6/2005

Humberto Cota, pit

Cota's strained left oblique muscle has shown some improvement over the past several days, and barring any setbacks, the Pirates catcher should resume swinging a bat by the weekend. Cota currently is on the 15-day disabled list, but is eligible to be activated as early as Sunday. The Pirates are not going to push him too quickly and risk aggravation of the injury.

David Ross continues to serve as Benito Santiago's primary backup in Cota's absence.

Shawn Chacon, pit

Chacon, who missed some time in spring training with a strained hamstring and a bruised pitching hand, is nearly back to full strength, and barring any setbacks, he will take the mound against Arizona Diamondbacks on April 12. He's slated to pitch in a minor league game on Wednesday as a final tuneup.

Chacon served as the Rockies' closer in 2004, but was 1-9 with a 7.11 ERA and 35 saves in 44 opportunities. The team believes he should be more comfortable in a starting role this season.

Jose Castillo, pit

Castillo strained an oblique muscle in his left side during an at-bat in the second inning of Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The second baseman was removed from the game and replaced in the Pirates' lineup by Rob Mackowiak. He will be evaluated by the team's medical staff to determine the extent of the injury.

For now, consider Castillo as day-to-day. He is 0-for-4 with two strikeouts so far this season after batting .256 with eight home runs, 39 RBI and three stolen bases in 129 games with Pittsburgh in 2004.

4/5/2005

Xavier Nady, pit

Nady got the starting nod in center field for the San Diego Padres in Monday's season opener, as anticipated. The outfielder, who is filling in for the injured Dave Roberts, took advantage of the opportunity -- and the hitter-friendly Coors Field -- going 2-for-4 with two home runs, four RBI and a walk.

Roberts should be back within the next couple of weeks, but Nady will remain in the lineup until that time. Nady was one of the team's best hitters this spring, batting .357 with five home runs, 14 RBI and one stolen base in 19 exhibition games.