Dave

Williams

“Everything felt fine. It felt good to be back on the mound,” Williams said. The Pirates still want to see how Williams feels today to make sure the strain in his right rib cage shows no ill effects.

It’d be disappointing news for Dave Williams and Ryan Vogelsong if the Pirates sign a mediocre starting pitcher. Williams is the current favorite for the job after going 2-3 with a 4.36 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP in six starts and four relief appearances at the end of last season. Aaron Sele, Shawn Estes and Hideo Nomo could be among the pitchers the Pirates are looking at.

Because putting more stress on the arms of Oliver Perez and Kip Wells in a season in which they have no chance of contending makes a lot of sense for the Pirates. Dave Williams, Ryan Vogelsong and Todd Ritchie are the top candidates to open the season as the team’s fifth starter.

Williams will start for Nashville on Saturday. The Pirates have no timetable for Williams to return to the majors, although without a lefty in the rotation, manager Lloyd McClendon said, ''We’d like to get him back. He can be a positive addition when he is healthy.’'

J.R. House was also awarded an additional option year earlier this winter. That Williams can be sent down makes it very unlikely that he’ll open the season in the pen if he fails to win a place in the rotation.

“I was behind, but I’ve caught up,” he said. Williams, who has battled shoulder problems since posting a 3.71 ERA in 18 starts and four relief appearances for the Pirates in 2001, is expected to open the season at Triple-A Nashville.

Williams threw two innings, allowing one hit -- a home run to Jose Hernandez. He has a chance to be in the Pirates’ rotation next season.

He gave up six hits, walked four and struck out none, so he wasn’t exactly dominant. Still, he got the job done, just as he has for much of the year. He’s going to have to stay in the rotation after Oliver Perez returns.

It’s the first time in 55 starts as a major leaguer that he’s pitched more than seven innings. Williams improved to 10-8 with a 3.88 ERA. He’s guaranteed that he’ll stay in the rotation following Oliver Perez’s return and he’s close to assuring himself of a rotation spot next year.

Williams allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings. Roberto Hernandez replaced him.