Sanchez update

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

Pirates manager John Russell said second baseman Freddy Sanchez will test his right shoulder Friday in a minor-league game at Pirate City, an outing which could determine the 2006 National League batting champion's availability for the start of the regular season.
Sanchez played four innings in a camp game at Pirate City today, staying on the field for both teams. He took grounders Wednesday, and reported the discomfort has diminished, Russell said.
The source of the problem is inflammation in his rotator cuff, but a visit earlier this week to Dr. James Andrews confirmed there is no structural damage. Sanchez underwent minor arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder last September.
Russell said a final determination has not been made whether Sanchez will start the season Monday in Atlanta at second base, be used in a pinch-hitting role or be placed on the disabled list.