⢠The stomach virus which attacked the Pirates' clubhouse during the final weeks of spring training finally caught up to Adam LaRoche, who wasn't in the lineup Thursday. "Hopefully, it's just a couple-of-days thing," manager John Russell said. "You know he's going pretty bad if Adam says he can't go." Eric Hinske replaced LaRoche at first base.
⢠Reliever Romulo Sanchez cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
⢠Russell said backup catcher Jason Jaramillo likely will get his first start Saturday in Cincinnati.
⢠The Pirates signed 19-year-old Australian pitcher Mitchell Fienemann. The 6-foot-4 right-hander hasn't played since 2007 after having shoulder surgery.
⢠The Pirates will honor the three Pittsburgh police officers who were fatally shot April 4 with a moment of silence at Monday's home opener. Pirates players will wear Pittsburgh Police Bureau patches on their uniform sleeves and caps. The autographed caps will be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the Pittsburgh Police Fallen Heroes Fund to support the officers' families.
⢠According to the Elias Sports Bureau, over the past 30 years, only three Pirates have gotten at least two hits in each of the first three games: Freddy Sanchez (2009), Jack Wilson ('03) and Barry Bonds (1998).
⢠Russell will make a regular appearance 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays on XM Radio channel 175.
⢠The MLB Network will nationally broadcast the Pirates' May 16 game against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park.
Digits
21 -- Consecutive games, dating to 2007, in which the Cardinals' Albert Pujols has reached base against the Pirates.
