The Tribune-Review is reporting that Jason Bay's wrist is not healing as quickly as expected:

Bay still has not been cleared to swing a bat as the swelling in his hand slowly subsides.

"We'd like to get him back out there," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "It's something we have to evaluate over the next three or four days and make a decision."

Bay has accumulated only 15 at-bats this spring. He could make up the lost time in minor-league games, but if Bay does not return until next week, he may have to stay behind in extended spring training when camp breaks.

Wrist injuries to hitters always concern me. It seems to take a lot of time after the injury has healed for the batter to get his stroke back. If Bay is sidelined, that will make it difficult for the Pirates to get off to a good start in 2005.

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