Wilson reinstated from 15-day DL

CINCINNATI -- Forty-seven games and 53 days later, Jack Wilson is back.

As expected, Wilson was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list prior to Tuesday's game. In a corresponding move, the Pirates optioned shortstop Brian Bixler back to Triple-A where he will resume his spot as Indianapolis' everyday shortstop.

"It's going to be weird today, it really is," said Wilson, who has been out since straining his left calf in the team's third game of the season. "I've played about a week and a half of games and that's nice, but the speed of the game is different. I'm sure I will pick it up pretty quickly, so I'm not expecting to be weirded out for too many days."

Wilson played in a total of 11 Minor League rehab games, 10 as the team's shortstop and once as a designated hitter. Most recently, Wilson went 6-for-19 in Double-A Altoona, which included three hits in his final four at-bats for the Curve.

It's been those offensive numbers more than Wilson's defense (he has played pain-free in the field for about two weeks now), that were his main focus after the extended layoff. In addition to finding his timing against Minor League pitching, Wilson did return to Pittsburgh at different points to work with hitting coach Don Long as well. The focus: correcting Wilson's balance at the plate.

"That helped a lot going into the last three to four games," said Wilson, who 1-for-12 before being injured. "It was just an 11-, 12-day Spring Training that I had. Hopefully, that was enough."

Wilson's return marks the end of what was the veteran shortstop's first trip to the DL.

"I really felt like I was retired," Wilson said. "I'd watch the games, but other than that, there was no mental aspect that you are so used to. It was a weird feeling."

The Pirates went a respectable 22-25, though it's no secret that having Wilson back will be a boost both on both ends of the field. In his absence, Pirates shortstops committed 13 errors. In the entire 2007 season, Wilson made 11.

"It was nice to finally be able to write his name in. It's been a long time," manager John Russell said. "I know he's looking forward to it as much as we are. I thought we did a phenomenal job of piecing it together while he was gone, but he can only make our club stronger."

Russell plugged Wilson into the second spot in the order and will continue to do so while the club plays without catcher Ryan Doumit.

"I think it balances our lineup a little better," Russell said. "Plus, I think he'll be able to get a few more at-bats quicker and try to get his swing going again."