--RHP Tyler Yates was acquired from Atlanta in a trade for minor league RHP Todd Redmond, and he likely will get first crack at being the primary right-handed setup reliever. Yates, 30, was 2-3 with two saves and a 5.18 ERA in 75 games with the Braves last season. RHP Franquelis Osoria, who has only pitched 75 2/3 innings in the major leagues, was the top option to be the No. 1 righty setup man before the trade.

--OF Nate McLouth will be the starting center fielder and leadoff hitter after winning a spring competition with OF Nyjer Morgan, a rookie who has made the Opening Day roster as a reserve. McLouth has hit .306 (15-for-49) with six doubles, one triple, two home runs and four stolen bases this spring, while Morgan has batted .220 (13-for-59) with two doubles and three steals.

--2B Freddy Sanchez was cleared to play in the March 31 opener at Atlanta after being examined by orthopedist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., and being diagnosed with tendinitis in his right shoulder, which was surgically repaired last September. Sanchez, though, said he still has pain when he throws and doesn't know if he will be ready by Opening Day.

--1B/OF Doug Mientkiewicz and INF Luis Rivas both had their contracts purchased from Class AAA Indianapolis and were added to the 40-man roster. Mientkiewicz helped his cause by showing he can also play third base and the corner outfield spots this spring while hitting .268 (11-for-41) with three doubles and one stolen base. Rivas has hit .333 (17-for-51) with six doubles, one triple and two steals, and he likely will start at second base on Opening Day if Freddy Sanchez isn't ready.

--RHP Masumi Kuwata decided to retire after being told he would not make the Opening Day roster despite allowing just one run in five innings for a 1.80 ERA this spring. Kuwata, 39, was in his 23rd professional season. He spent 21 years with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, winning 173 games, before making his major league debut with the Pirates last season and going 0-1 with a 9.53 ERA in 17 relief appearances.

BY THE NUMBERS
8 -- Consecutive hitless innings LHP Sean Burnett, who was dropped off the 40-man roster in February, has pitched in his attempt to win a long-relief job.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"Of course, I'm concerned. I had surgery six months ago and I still can't throw. I thought I'd be recovered by now." -- 2B Freddy Sanchez, who may begin the season on the disabled list as he has yet to recover from arthroscopic shoulder surgery last September.

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