First, Ty Wigginton lost his starting job at third base in favor of a right-handed/left-handed platoon with Rob Mackowiak.

Now, he might have lost the platoon role, too.

Manager Lloyd McClendon yesterday revealed that he plans to keep Freddy Sanchez as his regular third baseman. The game last night marked Sanchez's sixth consecutive start, his fifth at third base.

Asked what that means for Wigginton, McClendon replied, "As we speak right now, Freddy Sanchez is probably going to play third most of the time."

McClendon added that he has been encouraged by Sanchez's production, defense and energy.

"He's not your prototypical third baseman, a guy who's going to go out and hit 40 home runs for you," McClendon said. "But he's doing a good job. He's helped us win games."

Wigginton, who was hitting .200 at game time, has five home runs in his past nine starts. His two most recent starts have come at first base when McClendon has felt Daryle Ward would not hit a left-hander. But first is not Wigginton's natural position, and the team has not been satisfied with his defense.

Sanchez's status also is likely to affect Tike Redman. Mackowiak is expected to see time in center field if he is no longer being used at third. Mackowiak started there last night.

McClendon defensive

McClendon became a bit agitated with reporters' questions about why Mackowiak, the team's top hitter, is not starting more often.

"This is how it works: I get paid to make those decisions and to analyze when our players are going to have success and what matchups give them the best opportunity," he said. "You guys get paid to second-guess me and put it in the paper or on the radio."

McClendon did not rule out that Mackowiak might start against some left-handers, but Dontrelle Willis, Florida's starter tonight, will not be one of them. Mackowiak is hitting .267 (8 for 30) against left-handers this season.

"If the guy's done well, then everybody assumes that, if you put him in there everyday, he's going to continue," McClendon said. "Well, maybe we're doing the right thing by not overexposing him and having him face guys against whom he can be successful. Nobody ever thinks about that side of it. Until it happens, and then I'm the dumbest son of a [gun] that's ever lived."

Wilson on schedule

Craig Wilson, on the disabled list because of a finger injury, remains on pace to rejoin the lineup by the end of June or early July. But no sooner.

He had hoped to return by the middle of this month, but he still does not have a timetable to begin swinging a bat.

"Right now, there's really nothing new," he said.

It is highly likely Wilson would need a rehabilitation stint in the minor leagues, too, but he said the matter has not been raised yet.

North Side notches

Injured starter John Van Benschoten, out all year because of shoulder surgery, was told yesterday by the Pirates' athletic training staff that he will be permitted to throw a baseball for the first time June 16. "It's great news for me," he said. "Every day, I get more and more itchy." If all goes well, he could pitch in a fall or winter league.

The other starter out for the year, Sean Burnett, seems upbeat despite being fresh off a shoulder surgery that will keep him from pitching this year. "I've got a new arm," he said. "That's the way I see it." Burnett can resume throwing in August, but he does not expect to pitch from a mound until minicamp in January.