Bucs Injury updates: Milledge, Ohlendorf

There is still a chance that Lastings Milledge will make an appearance before the 2010 season ends. Milledge has begun to hit in the cage and will take part in batting practice later this week. If everything goes well, Milledge could play this weekend in Florida.

“The next step is to get him out there for batting practice,” manager John Russell said. “If we can get it to that point, there could be a possibility he could play before the season’s over.”

Lastings Milledge has been sidelined since 9/13 with a left oblique strain.

Ross Ohlendorf may be pitching in an instructional league as part of his off-season routine.

“We’ve got to see how he progresses,” Russell said. “He will need some down time before he gets back to work.”

Ohlendorf (upper back) has not pitched since 8/23.

With six games remaining of the season why would the Pirates be concerned with a few of the injured players playing time?

“Then you go into the off-season knowing [you're OK],” manager John Russell said. “I think it’s more of a mental thing than anything. If you go into the off-season knowing you didn’t get into a game, you’re going to have that on your mind until you get on the mound or start full-go.”