Bucs' Sanchez has successful shoulder surgery

• Second baseman Freddy Sanchez had successful surgery on his right shoulder Friday morning at Allegheny General Hospital. The minor surgery on the acromioclavicular joint in the cuff area was performed by Pirates medical director Dr. Patrick DeMeo. Sanchez will need six to eight weeks to recover, and he is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.

• Outfielder Nate McLouth (flu-like symptoms) sat out for the second day in a row. Manager Jim Tracy said he was hopeful McLouth would be back in action today.

• Entering last night's game, the Pirates had hit 148 home runs, seven more than last season. In 121 years, the Pirates have hit 150-plus homers just eight times -- 1947, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2003.

• Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 8-year-old Matthew Staub of Cheswick met Ronny Paulino and other players before last night's game. Staub, who has been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, received a uniform, saw batting practice on the field and watched the game from a luxury suite.

• On Sunday, Pirates Charities will donate $62,000 to the Pittsburgh Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities program.

Digits

.304 - Freddy Sanchez's batting average this season, tops on the team.

.344 - Sanchez's average last year, tops in the National League.