HOUSTON -- John Van Benschoten's start tonight in San Diego, happening at the behest of upper management, raises a couple of pertinent questions ...

1. Might it be his last for the Pirates?

The team is undecided about the next vacant slot in the rotation Sunday in Chicago, and that could go to Bryan Bullington -- who was sharp in relief yesterday -- if Van Benschoten does not improve upon the 0-5 record and 10.86 ERA he has produced so far.

Moreover, Van Benschoten is out of options unless the team is successful this offseason in appealing for another because of his injury history. Without an option, he would have to make the 25-man roster out of next spring training or be lost.

2. Can he still hit?

Van Benschoten, 27, was the NCAA's home run champion in 2001 with 31 at Kent State University, and the Pirates' decision to convert him to pitching after making him their first-round draft pick that year was considered controversial at the time.

If the pitching does not go well from here, he was asked yesterday, might he try to pull a Rick Ankiel and revert to being a power-hitting position player?

"It's kind of hard to change your mind-set or look at what-ifs for all this after it's been one way for six years," Van Benschoten said. "You really have no idea what would happen."

But what would happen if he tried it?

"You mean just get a bat and try next year? Yeah, I could do it."

He was reminded of previous statements that his surgically repaired left -- non-throwing -- shoulder would not allow him to hit effectively again.

"It would be fine. I could deal with it."

So, it is on his mind?

"I wouldn't say that."

Morris on the mend

Starter Matt Morris had minor swelling on the right edge of his right hand yesterday, the result of being struck by a line drive Saturday, but he remains on the schedule to pitch Thursday.

The injury happened in the first inning, but he pitched into the fourth and was charged with seven runs that inning.

"I wanted to give the team some innings," Morris said. "Maybe it wasn't such a great idea."

Buried treasure

Another 2008 schedule note: The Pirates will play on the road against the Chicago White Sox.

Ronny Paulino finally had a breather after catching eight consecutive games. Manager Jim Tracy plans to use him in all four games against the Padres.

Houston rookie Josh Anderson reached base safely all six times up, getting four singles and a double before Dave Davidson plunked him in the eighth.