Pirates-Rays notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Brandon Moss is making progress.
The Pirates outfielder, who suffered a sprained right thumb earlier this month in Fort Myers, could be in Pirate City as early as Thursday, playing in minor-league game.
Moss is expected to take swings in the batting cage Tuesday and Wednesday, and if all goes well, he will see game action Thursday.
Acquired in a trade with the Boston Red Sox last July, Moss is expected to be the Pirates’ right fielder on Opening Day.
“He’s coming really nice,” manager John Russell said. “He’s feeling a lot better, and I think he’s ahead of what we originally thought.”
MAHOLM ROLLING: Paul Maholm’s sparkling spring continued Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Maholm struck out four and allowed one hit in 4 2/3 innings. His lone blemish was a walk to Justin Ruggiano – the first free pass Maholm has issued this spring.
“It was good,” he said. “No complaints…I was happy – I was throwing everything, challenging guys…”
The Rays threw all right-handed bats at the lefty.
“I got work on some change-ups,” he said, “and get the stuff in I needed to do.”
Maholm, who went 9-9 last year, has allowed one earned run in 13 2/3 innings this spring.
HINSKE MAY BE BACK: Eric Hinske, who has been sidelined with a left rib injury, will get more swings in Pirate City on Tuesday, and is scheduled to serve as designated hitter during the Pirates game Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins.