Day 25 of Pirates spring training: news and notes

The Pirates will face the Baltimore Orioles at 7:05 in Bradenton, Fla. You can watch the game on MLB.tv or FSN Pittsburgh.

Paul Maholm will start for the Bucs against Brad Bergesen of the Orioles.

• The Pirates struck out 16 times against the Yankees on Wednesday, 13 times on Sunday. Why Rumbunter says you shouldn’t be concerned.
• Injury Updates:

Scott Olsen and Joe Beimel will throw live batting on Friday. Olsen 35 pitches; Beimel 20.

Jose Ascanio is supposed to throw a bullpen session on Friday as well. He threw a bullpen on Wednesday without any issues.

John Bowker (left wrist) and Josh Rodriguez (right quad) are said to be feeling better. They remain day-to-day.

Brian Friday, who was hit in the left hand by a pitch, is feeling better and is listed as day-to-day.

• It was reported earlier today that Pirates minor league catcher Jordan Newton has retired.

The Pirates signed Newton last June to a minor league contract when Tony Sanchez (Jaw) and Eric Fryer (face) suffered injuries. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 6^th round of the 2006 draft and batted .331 in 39 games for the Bradenton Marauders (High-A).

• James McDonald will start for the Pirates against the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte on Friday (four innings). Brian Burres (two), Daniel Moskos, Justin Thomas, Chris Leroux will follow.

Pirates

Lineup: Tabata LF, Diaz RF, Walker 2B, Overbay 1B, Atkins 3B, Cedeno SS, Hernandez CF, Jaramillo C, Maholm LHP

Pitchers: Maholm, Hanrahan, Meek, Resop, Karstens, Watson

Orioles

Lineup: Hardy SS, Jones CF, Reynolds 3B, Guerrero DH, Fox LF, Reimold RF, Snyder 1B, Tatum C, Adams 2B

Pitchers: Bergesen, Rupe, Accardo