Jack Wilson, the Pirates' injured shortstop, will not be ready to begin playing minor-league games until "early to mid-next week," manager John Russell said today. That points to a likely return of early May, about a week later than had been anticipated.

Wilson began running exercises this morning in Bradenton, Fla., and did some light hitting. He experienced "some tightness" in the strained left calf that has him on the 15-day disabled list, but Russell called it "nothing to be alarmed about."

In Wilson's absence, the Pirates have committed 24 errors, most in Major League Baseball.

"Absolutely, not having Jack's had an effect," Russell said. "Whether it's a lack of confidence or whatever, not having Jack is huge. When that ball is hit to Jack, you pretty much know it's going to be an out."

Russell made one significant change to his lineup for the home game tonight against the Florida Marlins: Struggling third baseman Jose Bautista, batting .185 with five errors, will be replaced by Chris Gomez. Also, shortstop Brian Bixler will be bumped up to No. 2 in the order.

"We just want to give Jose some time to work on some things," Russell said. "Also, we've got some pretty good players that we need to keep involved."

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.