Pirates Notebook: Ohlendorf eyes quick return
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The Pirates placed Ross Ohlendorf on the 15-day disabled list Saturday but, if all goes well in his recovery from back spasms, it will cost him only one more start.
The disabled list placement is retroactive to April 12, meaning he is eligible to return April 27, and Ohlendorf said he is "confident" he will be able to do so right away. He will need several side sessions and at least one Class AAA start before that.
"We've got our fingers crossed," manager John Russell said. "So far, he's responded the way we've wanted."
Daniel McCutchen took Ohlendorf's place Saturday, and Paul Maholm will take his turn today. From there, the Pirates' rotation will work like this: Charlie Morton, Zach Duke and McCutchen will face the Milwaukee Brewers. Maholm will pitch Friday in Houston, followed by a not-yet-known starter.
Brian Burres, recalled from the bottom of Class AAA Indianapolis' rotation on an emergency basis Monday in San Francisco, likely will remain with the staff until Ohlendorf's return, Russell said. He would pitch long relief, giving the Pirates three left-handers in the bullpen.
"Right now, we'll hold onto him," Russell said of Burres.
Third baseman Andy LaRoche, forced to exit Friday because of back spasms, was out again Saturday and probably will not return until Tuesday. The Pirates are off Monday, which would provide an extra day of rest.
"He locked up pretty good there," Russell said. "I'm not saying he can't play before then, but we'll see."
• Delwyn Young took LaRoche's place at third, his second game at the position in his career. Unlike the first time in Phoenix, when he was surprised that morning to learn of the assignment, he knew of this one the previous night. Russell allowed that "third base isn't his most comfortable position," and that showed in the first inning when Young let a ball roll under his glove. But Russell felt that Cincinnati's excess of left-handed bats would keep too many balls from going that way.
• Quinton Miller, one of the Pirates' top pitching prospects with low Class A West Virginia exited his start Friday after one inning because of tendinitis in his right biceps, director of player development Kyle Stark said.
• The Pirates' 11-for-11 start in stealing bases came to an end in the seventh inning Saturday when Andrew McCutchen was caught.
• The game Tuesday will not be televised now, with FSN Pittsburgh showing the Penguins' playoff game in Ottawa.
• The Brewers' starters for the upcoming series: Dave Bush, Yovani Gallardo and Randy Wolf.
First Published April 18, 2010 12:00 am
