Freddy Sanchez will open the 2008 season at second base.

The Pirates this afternoon cleared Sanchez, slowed all spring by inflammation in his right shoulder, for full duty after a round of successful drills this morning at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla. It was his first session of throwing at 100 percent in more than a week.

Shortly after that, management informed him he will start Monday in Atlanta.

"It went very well," general manager Neal Huntington said. "He was able to go the left, throw across his body, do double-play pivots and everything else. The throwing went very well, and he will be out there for us in the first game."

Also today, there were two moves involving non-roster infielders: Josh Wilson, designated for assignment earlier in the week, cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Class AAA Indianapolis. Jorge Velandia, assigned to minor-league camp this week, sought and received his release.

More details in tomorrow's Post-Gazette.