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PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup had a surprise in it Saturday afternoon. Ryan Doumit was the starting right fielder in the 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres at PNC Park. It was the first time he had played any position other than catcher since 2007 when Jim Tracy was still managing the Pirates and felt Doumit was a better long-term fit at first base. However, Doumit’s appearance in right field was a cameo, according to manager John Russell. “It’s just a way to get a little more offense into the lineup,” Russell said. “It’s a chance to give him a day off from catching in a day game after a night game without losing his bat. He’s not changing positions or anything like that. He’s still our catcher.” Doumit has played 42 games in the outfield, including 37 starts, during his five seasons in the major leagues. It was his first start in right field since Aug. 13, 1997. While Doumit has always been adamant that he prefers to stay behind the plate, he welcomed the chance to take a turn in the outfield on Saturday. “I’m all for it,” Doumit said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to expand my horizons. As far as I’m concerned, I’m glad to have a chance to play on a day when I wouldn’t be in the lineup. I want to play as much as I can.” Tracy believed Doumit was not good enough defensively to be a full-time catcher. However, Russell worked extensively with Doumit as a rookie in 2005 when he was the Pirates’ third-base coach under manager Lloyd McClendon and felt Doumit could be a starter behind the plate. Doumit has won raves from both the Pirates’ coaching staff and scouts from other teams for his improved defense this season. Rookie Robinzon Diaz started behind the plate with Doumit in right field and went 0-for-3 with a walk. INJURY UPDATE: Right fielder/first baseman Garrett Jones missed Saturday’s game with a strained right shoulder, which he injured while making a diving stop of a ground ball in Friday night’s 5-1 victory over the Padres. Jones isn’t expected to return until Monday at the earliest, though an arthrogram examination Saturday morning revealed no structural damage. Third baseman Adam LaRoche missed his second straight game with the flu and the Pirates had him stay away from the ballpark in an attempt to keep other players from also getting sick. Rookie Neil Walker again started at third and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Second baseman Delwyn Young missed his fifth straight game with lower back spasms, though he was available to pinch hit and was on deck when the game ended. Young is having trouble bending over, which is preventing him from playing in the field. Brian Bixler started at second and went 1-for-3, though his ninth-inning error led to the winning run for San Diego. Right-handed reliever Joel Hanrahan was unavailable to pitch Saturday because of a sore elbow. He likely will miss the rest of the series, which runs through Monday. UP NEXT: The third game of the four-game series is set for 1:35 today with left-hander Paul Maholm (8-8, 4.51) pitching for the Pirates against Kevin Correia (10-10, 4.24). Maholm has won two of his last three decisions.

 

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