CINCINNATI -- The Pirates' batting order for tonight's game against the Cincinnati Reds has left-hander Paul Maholm in the No. 8 spot. Shortstop Jack Wilson will hit ninth.
It is the first time since Sept. 3, 1956 the Pirates have put a pitcher anywhere but ninth in the lineup.
Manager John Russell said he moved Maholm up to eighth to bat behind Doug Mientkiewicz.
"We put our most patient, work-the-count hitter in front of our pitcher," Russell said. "That puts Jack in a situation where if he gets on, we've got the top of the order coming up. It just adds a little more offense and maybe get a few more guys on base for Jason (Bay) and Ryan (Doumit)."
Also, Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. was benched for tonight's game. Griffey is hitting just .200 against lefties this season.
