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Pirates Notebook: Zito returns to rotation for Giants
Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Barry Zito's stint in the San Francisco bullpen wasn't very productive -- he didn't get into a game --but it also won't last long.


Minor-league report
Tuesday's games

INDIANAPOLIS (17-16) won at Richmond, 7-1. RHP Luis Munoz (2-0, 3.74) allowed one run and four hits in six innings. He struck out two and walked three. C Raul Chavez (.270) went 2 for 4 with a walk and three RBIs. RF Steve Pearce (.260) went 1 for 3. 3B Neil Walker (.186) went 0 for 4.

ALTOONA (13-18) won at Akron, 3-1. RHP Josh Hill (3-2, 2.73) pitched six scoreless innings and allowed five hits. He struck out eight and walked one. RHP Chris Hernandez (1.96) pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts for his second save. 1B Jason Delaney (.327) went 1 for 2 with a double and two walks.

LYNCHBURG (13-18) lost to Winston-Salem, 8-1. RHP Jared Hughes (1-4, 4.08) allowed five runs, one earned, and five hits in four innings. RHP Matt McSwain (5.63) pitched two scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts.

HICKORY (15-18) lost to Charleston, 7-4. LHP Zac Oliver (0-1, 5.79) allowed three runs and three hits in five innings. SS Silvio Pena (.238) went 3 for 4 with an RBI.


The left-hander, 0-6 with a 7.53 earned run average, will start against the Pirates tonight.

"We thought he'd get work out of the bullpen, but it wasn't happening," Giant manager Bruce Bochy said.

Zito hasn't pitched since April 27 when he allowed 7 hits, 3 walks and 8 runs in 3 innings against Cincinnati.

Hockey talk

Nyjer Morgan played four years of junior hockey before beginning his baseball career.

So which team does the Pirates' center fielder like in the upcoming Penguins-Flyers series?

"I definitely like the Penguins to win the series," Morgan said.

"It'll probably go seven games. If the boys can handle the physical aspect that the Flyers bring to the table -- the banging in the corners -- then I think they'll be all right."

Pirates manager John Russell was a bit more succinct with his prediction: "The way they're playing, the Penguins in four."

Burnett back, at last

Sean Burnett was in a Pirates uniform last night for the first time since 2004.

"It's been a long time coming," the left-hander said. "People kept telling me to hang in there [through two surgeries], but it was hard to hang in there.

"It's cool to be here because the last couple times I was here it was to see doctors. I'm just waiting to get out there. It's been a long time, and I'm ready to go."

Russell can use Burnett in any of several roles in relief.

"He can pitch early," Russell said. "He can pitch late. He can come in and hold an inning or pitch the sixth or seventh inning. Or come in in the middle.

"He can face left- or right-handed batters. He can help us get through some tough innings or help us hold a lead or keep us in a game.

"He's a great competitor. He doesn't back down from anything. I'm sure he's going to be pretty excited, but I'm sure he's going to be fine. I think he's really looking forward to the opportunity more than being nervous about the opportunity."

Wilson doing better

Jack Wilson once again is making progress in his recovery from a strained left calf that has had him on the disabled list since the first weekend of the season.

The Pirates hope Wilson can begin a rehab stint with Class AAA Indianapolis (home beginning Friday against Scranton) or Class AA Altoona (at Reading beginning Friday) this weekend.

How much does the Pirates' error-plagued infield miss the shortstop?

"Jack can make guys around him better," first baseman Adam LaRoche said. "There's just something about him. He can make guys make plays. That's the impact he has."

Buried treasure

Tom Gorzelanny, who missed his last start because of soreness in his lower back, has "a lot less" discomfort, according to Russell. Gorzelanny, who came to PNC Park to play catch Monday, is scheduled to start Saturday night against Atlanta.

• Center fielder Andrew McCutchen's name appeared frequently among the International League's offensive leaders through Monday. McCutchen, batting .290 for Class AAA Indianapolis, ranks first in hits (36), tied for second in runs (23) and doubles (9), tied for fifth in home runs (6) and stolen bases (9 in 13 attempts) and tied for 10th in on-base percentage (.389).

• Pirates Charities will contribute $72,000 toward the renovation of a Little League complex in the Hill District that will be known as Josh Gibson Field. Total cost of the renovation is estimated to be $272,000.

First published on May 7, 2008 at 12:00 am