CINCINNATI (AP) -Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson came off the disabled list Tuesday and returned to the lineup for the first time since straining his left calf in the opening week of the season.
The Pirates optioned rookie shortstop Brian Bixler to Triple-A Indianapolis. He batted .175 in 34 games, including 24 starts. His six errors were tied for the team lead.
Wilson hurt himself during the third game of the season and had been bothered by tightness in the muscles during his recovery. He batted .316 in seven rehab starts for Double-A Altoona, and went 4-for-12 in four starts at shortstop for Indianapolis.
“It was nice writing his name in the lineup,” manager John Russell said. “I know he’s looking forward to it as much as we are. It’s been a tough go without that guy, but I think we’ve done a phenomenal job piecing things together while he’s been gone. We’re not expecting him to light the world on fire. We just want him to be Jack.”
Russell decided to bat Wilson second for the opening game of a series against Cincinnati.
“When (Ryan) Doumit gets back (from a broken thumb), he could hit second or eighth or maybe leadoff,” Russell said. “That’s an ability Jack has. We can move him around the lineup. We thought we’d get him up there and get him a few at-bats to help him get his swing back.”
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