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Saturday, May 17, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Pirates vs. Diamondbacks, 10:05 p.m., Bank One Ballpark, Phoenix. TV: Fox Sports Net. Radio: KDKA-AM (1020) and Pirates Radio Network. RHP Salomon Torres (2-1) will start for the Pirates, LHP Chris Capuano (0-1) for the Diamondbacks.

Right-handed reliever Pat Mahomes was recalled from Nashville yesterday, and left-handed reliever Dennys Reyes, the seventh man in the bullpen, was designated for assignment. McClendon said Reyes, who had a 10.45 ERA in 12 appearances, had not been able to get enough work to stay sharp because the starters have pitched so many innings. It was hoped Reyes will take an assignment in Nashville, where he would be used as a starter to build up his arm and perhaps give the Pirates the option of a left-handed starter later in the season. Mahomes, who was signed as a non-roster player in the off-season, was 4-1 with a 3.10 ERA in 14 appearances. The move leaves the Pirates with five right-handers and two left-handers in the bullpen. Mahomes appeared in 16 games with the Cubs last season, 14 in relief. He has 42-38 record with a 5.49 ERA in his career and has made 237 relief appearances.

The Pirates considered bringing up Altoona SS Jose Castillo, one of their brighter minor-league prospects, when 2B Pokey Reese was placed on the disabled list. Although they called up INF Jeff Reboulet instead, there is a chance Castillo could reach the majors before the summer is over. Castillo played second base Thursday for the first time this season at the request of the Pirates. "You're going to be seeing him a little bit more over there. It's time, and, you know, the obvious reasons," said Altoona Manager Dale Sveum. "It's just going to give the Pirates more options if anything else happens. I was just told to play him there and just let him get a lot of experience, let him get comfortable over there." Castillo hit 16 home runs with 81 RBIs in Class A last year, but he also had 33 errors. He had 60 errors in 125 games in 2000.

Kenny Lofton extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a home run in the first inning last night. Boston's Nomar Garciaparra had the longest current streak in the majors at 17 games. Florida's Luis Castillo and Atlanta's Gary Sheffield also posted 16-game hitting streaks earlier this year. Lofton has raised his batting average 86 points since April 26 to .291, giving the Pirates the National League's fourth-best batting average from the leadoff spot. But the cleanup spot is a different story. Going into last night's game, the Pirates are the only club without a home run from the No. 4 spot and the nine RBI from that spot ranks last among the 30 teams.

NASHVILLE (22-16) blew a five-run lead and lost, 11-7, at Albuquerque. Reliever Shawn Camp (0-1) started what became a seven-run sixth inning by giving up two runs. Starter John Wasdin went five innings, allowing five earned runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts. C Humberto Cota hit his fourth homer and finished with two hits and two RBIs. 2B David Doster had two doubles and a single and drove in a run. LF John Barnes, 3B Mike Gulan, 1B Carlos Rivera and RF J.J. Davis each had two hits.

ALTOONA (18-19) won, 7-1, at Binghampton. Starter Sean Burnett (3-2) pitched six shutout innings, allowing five hits while striking out four. It was his first win since April 21. CF Chris Duffy had two hits, including a double, and knocked in two runs while scoring three times. He also stole three bases. 2B Jose Castillo, LF Josh Bonifay and C Ron Paulino each had a double.

LYNCHBURG (22-15) was rained out.

HICKORY (27-11) was rained out.