--RHP John Van Benschoten was optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis after starting and losing the second game of the doubleheader. He went 0-2 with a 9.39 ERA in four games, one start, after being recalled from Indianapolis on April 27. A corresponding move won't be made until Tuesday's game in St. Louis, leading to speculation the Pirates might be acquiring someone from outside the organization. Among pitchers who have been designated for assignment in recent days are Toronto LHP Gustavo Chacin, Boston RHP Julian Tavarez and Colorado RHP Jose Capellan.

--LHP Phil Dumatrait was originally scheduled to pitch Monday before Sunday's rainout necessitated a doubleheader. However, Russell decided to push Dumatrait back a day and he will pitch Tuesday night at St. Louis as LHP Zach Duke, who was scheduled to start Sunday, pitched the first game of the twinbill and John Van Benschoten got a spot start in the second game.

--RF Xavier Nady sat out the first game while OF Jason Michaels started in right. Nady has been playing with a strained groin for the past week, though he says the injury isn't serious. Nady started the second game and was 2-for-4.

--CF Nate McLouth has cooled off considerably since his hot start as his ninth-inning single in the second game snapped an 0-for-14 skid. McLouth is hitting just .205 in May after having a .342 batting average in April.

--C Ryan Doumit was 2-for-3 in the first game and is hitting .397 (23-for-58) with seven doubles, three home runs, 11 RBIs and 14 runs scored in his last 16 games. Conversely, C Ronny Paulino went 0-for-4 in the second game and is 2-for-23 (.087) in his last eight games.

BY THE NUMBERS
9-3, 3.46 -- Pirates left-handed pitchers' cumulative record and ERA in the first 18 home games this season.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I know I'm a major-league players and it's just a matter of circumstances right now. Don't worry, this isn't the end of Nyj." -- OF Nyjer Morgan after being optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis.

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