MILWAUKEE -- Lastings Milledge opened this season as an everyday outfielder, but the Pirates have had him in a de facto platoon with Ryan Church in right field for the past month.

That was the case again Saturday, with Milledge out of the lineup after going 2 for 4 with a home run the previous night.

Before Saturday, Milledge was batting .271 with two home runs, 25 RBIs, 20 extra-base hits and a .341 on-base percentage. Church was batting .190 with three home runs, 16 RBIs, 14 extra-base hits and a .239-on base percentage. Milledge had 247 at-bats, Church 153.

Manager John Russell, the man making this decision, had explained earlier in the week in Houston that his current preference is to allow Milledge to gain confidence by facing mostly left-handers -- there will be another today in Milwaukee's Randy Wolf -- and that the Pirates would benefit if Church could rebound to hit closer to his career average of .272.

General manager Neal Huntington, asked about the topic Saturday, added that, although Milledge is 25 and Church 31, the Pirates can keep both players beyond this season. Milledge's rights can be retained through arbitration for three more years, Church the same way for one more.

"Both players have the ability to fit beyond this year," Huntington said. "Everything we do is a balance between short, medium and long term and, in this instance, JR is balancing between getting a veteran presence jump started -- important given the overall youth -- and continuing the development of a younger player by putting him in situations to be successful. Church has begun to swing the bat better as of late and has had some key hits, while Milledge continues to improve."

Milledge was batting .368 in his 16 starts since Jose Tabata's arrival shifted him from left field to right, and he finally has begun to show signs of power. Church was 5 for 14 in his past five starts after a month-long slump.

Russell also was asked about the topic again Saturday, this time focusing on what he wants to see from Milledge to regain everyday status.

"I think just continue the path he's been on," Russell replied. "He's had a nice year to date. He's made a lot of adjustments from the time we got him last year at the plate, in the outfield, with his throwing. He's worked awfully hard at it. The next step is just consistency. As a corner outfielder, he needs to start driving balls. You don't necessarily have to hit 40 home runs a year, but it is an offensive-production position. Hit some gaps with men on base. That's a corner outfielder, in my opinion."

Milledge expressed understanding for the Pirates' approach to using him and Church.

"I think it's not so much about my performance," he said. "It's just matchups, giving our team the best matchup and the best possibility to win the game."

And how does Milledge feel about his performance of late?

"I feel really good. I'm improving a lot, really hitting well when the game's on the line, when we need RBIs. I feel good about what I've been doing."

• Zach Duke made his second and final rehabilitation appearance with Class AA Altoona and allowed one run on two hits, including a home run, over four innings. He had been limited to five innings or 65 pitches, whichever came first.

• Duke is expected to rejoin the rotation after the All-Star break, and Russell might have him start the first game Friday.

• First baseman Steve Pearce, on the month of rehabilitation he is about to face from the injection in his left knee: "I'm extremely determined, and I'm excited to come back and play the game at 100 percent. This game is a lot harder when you're playing with nagging injuries."

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