Wilson just about ready

Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson should make his return to the team Tuesday when the Pirates begin a six-game home stand against Milwaukee and Chicago.

Wilson, on a rehab assignment with Class AAA Indianapolis, is bating .444 (4-for-9) with a double, two runs scored and two RBI. He is recovering from a strained calf which he suffered in the Pirates third game of the season.

Once Wilson is reinstated from the DL, the question becomes who will go? The choices are Luis Rivas and Brian Bixler.

The younger Bixler seems like the choice to go out. He's batting only .181 with no home runs and two RBI. He has also struck out 19 times in 72 at bats. Rivas is batting .222 with no homers and four RBI. He has stuck out only seven times in 63 at bats.

Both were brought onto the roster primarily for their defense and neither has played stellar defense. Bixler has made six errors and has a .951 fielding percentage while Rivas has made four errors but has a paltry .934 fielding percentage.

Though I believe it would be better for the Pirates if Bixler stays and Rivas gets demoted, the thought here is that the opposite will happen. Just like when center fielder Nyjer Morgan was sent down, I think general manager Neal Huntington will say that Bixler needs to play every day and that won't happen when Wilson returns. Rivas, a veteran used to spot duty, would be better served for the utility role than Bixler, a former No. 2 draft pick whose skills could rust sitting on the bench. Bixler is only 24 and could use a little more seasoning in the minors.

Even though he's shown he is capable of playing in the majors, don't expect Bixler to be around once Wilson returns.