ST. LOUIS -- The Pirates assigned reliever Evan Meek, the Rule 5 pick they reacquired through trade yesterday, to Class AA Altoona.

That was the highest level he had achieved while in the Tampa Bay system, before Rule 5 forced the Pirates to keep him on the major-league roster to open this season.

Also today, shortstop Jack Wilson began his minor-league rehabilitation stint with Class AAA Indianapolis by going 1 for 3 at the plate -- a single in his first at-bat, a strikeout and groundout -- and by performing without incident for six innings in the field.