Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen, the Pirates' top prospects, made another swift step through the system yesterday when each was promoted to Class AA Altoona.

The motivation?

Playoff baseball.

As recently as a week ago, management was leaning toward moving neither this late in the minor-league regular season, which ends early next month. But that changed when it was decided that each would benefit from being involved in Altoona's run for an Eastern League playoff berth, which the Curve should clinch comfortably.

	MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT Tuesday's results INDIANAPOLIS (66-57) lost to Norfolk, 1-0. RHP Ryan Vogelsong (2-5, 2.59) allowed one run on one hit -- a fifth-inning home run -- in eight innings. He struck out seven, walked none and threw 60 of 82 pitches for strikes. RHP Brian Rogers (1.17) pitched a perfect ninth, striking out one. CF Vic Buttler (.000) went 0 for 4 in his Class AAA debut. 2B Craig Stansberry (.236) went 2 for 4 with a double. ALTOONA (68-52) lost at Connecticut, 2-1. RHP Wardell Starling (4-3, 2.83) allowed two runs, one earned, and six hits in eight innings. He struck out three and walked none. C Neil Walker (.250) and CF Andrew McCutchen (.250) each went 1 for 4 in his Class AA debut, with Walker hitting his first home run. SS Brian Bixler (.278) went 2 for 4. LYNCHBURG (51-69) lost to Myrtle Beach, 6-5. LHP Kyle Bloom (5-8, 4.50) allowed four runs in five innings. 1B Mike Carlin (.264) went 1 for 5 with his 12th home run. HICKORY (60-60) lost at West Virginia, 7-6. RHP Mike Crotta (1-3, 12.46) allowed six runs in 4 1/3 innings. C Steve Lerud (.242) went 3 for 4 and committed his 33rd passed ball. WILLIAMSPORT (17-35) was off.

Neither player's previous team is headed to the postseason.

"You want to see how they respond," director of player development Brian Graham said. "They'll be around better players, performing in bigger situations. It will be good for them."

Walker, the Pirates' first-round draft pick in 2004 out of Pine-Richland High School, had been with high Class A Lynchburg, so his move is one level up. He batted .284 with 22 doubles, three home runs and 35 RBIs in 72 games, his season having started a month late because of offseason wrist surgery.

"He got off to a slow start because of the wrist," Graham said. "But he's hit the ball really well since feeling comfortable."

McCutchen, the team's top pick last summer, had been with low Class A Hickory, where he batted .291 with 14 home runs, 62 RBIs and 22 steals in 114 games. He, too, had a slow start, but his had more to do with impatience when opposing pitchers repeatedly worked around him.

For McCutchen, this will be a huge step -- two levels up -- and, maybe, a temporary one.

"It's safe to say Walker is going to be there to start next season," Graham said of Altoona. "With McCutchen, my feeling right now is that it's more about getting him the experience. But we'll see."

The move is somewhat of a departure for the Pirates, who generally have been deliberate in promoting prospects, especially at the lower levels. Walker will turn 21 in two weeks, and McCutchen is 19, making each young for Class AA.

That is especially true, obviously, of McCutchen.

"It is young," general manager Dave Littlefield said. "But he's done a very good job, and he's an emotionally mature young man. We're very pleased with how they've both done."

Each got off to a quick start in his Class AA debut last night in Norwich, Conn. Walker homered in the eighth inning and finished 1 for 4. McCutchen singled in his four at-bats. The Curve lost, 2-1.

Friday Bay's day

Left fielder Jason Bay's strained right hamstring showed "improved strength and flexibility" yesterday, manager Jim Tracy said. But he remained out of the lineup last night, on the recommendation of head athletic trainer Brad Henderson.

With the Pirates having a scheduled day off tomorrow, they almost certainly will bench Bay again today for the series finale against Milwaukee and give him four full days of rest.

"Could be," Tracy said.

Wilson's status brightens

The swelling on the middle knuckle of shortstop Jack Wilson's right hand -- the result of being hit by a pitch Monday -- subsided considerably by yesterday, and he could rejoin the lineup this afternoon.

Wilson would be a welcome addition: He is 8 for 22 in his career against Brewers starter Chris Capuano.

Buried treasure

Shawn Chacon's side session today will determine if his sore right knee is strong enough for him to make his scheduled start Sunday. If not, Victor Santos again will fill in.

Outfielder Nate McLouth, out because of a sprained left ankle, will leave the team tomorrow to begin a weeklong rehabilitation in Bradenton, Fla.

The Pirates promoted outfielder Vic Buttler, 26, from Altoona to Class AAA Indianapolis. He batted .292 with 20 doubles, a league-best 14 triples and 51 RBIs in 109 games.

Ryan Doumit went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts as a designated hitter yesterday for Bradenton of the Gulf Coast League.