Doumit breaks into big leagues with Pirates

After weekend call-up, newest Pittsburgh catcher has seen action in two games

MOSES LAKE — It's already been a busy week for Ryan Doumit.

The Pittsburgh Pirates called up the former Moses Lake phenom-turned-prospect Saturday and have immediately put him to use.

The second round pick of the 1999 draft made his major league debut as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the eighth inning of Sunday's 5-2 win against the Atlanta Braves. Facing right-hander Roman Colon, Doumit grounded out to first base on the first pitch. In Monday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, he got another chance as a pinch hitter, this time in the seventh against the lefty Steve Kline. Doumit again grounded out, this time to the third baseman.

In spite of an 0-2 start from the plate, the Pirates organization is high on the switch hitting catcher and seem to be grooming him as heir-apparent to former all-star catcher Jason Kendall, who was dealt to Oakland in November. Manager Lloyd McClendon told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review he plans on using Doumit behind the plate as well as in the outfield.

"We brought him here to play," McClendon told the paper. "He won't sit."

In Kendall's absence, Doumit should have the opportunity to play himself into the lineup. Veteran catcher Benito Santiago played only six games for the Pirates before being placed on the disabled list with a viral infection.

Santiago's replacements behind the dish have not made a strong showing. The time split between Humberto Cota and David Ross has garnered only 42 hits in 60 games. The duo is hitting a combined .232 with 6 homeruns and 29 runs batted in.

The 24-year-old Doumit has been tearing up AAA pitching — leading Indianapolis with a .345 batting average and popping 12 homeruns and 35 RBI in just 50 games.

The Pirates finish a three-game series against Baltimore tonight and tomorrow. After a weekend series against Tampa Bay, the club goes on a six-game road trip beginning June 14. Doumit's first stops will be to two of the most hallowed ballparks in baseball — Yankee Stadium in New York and Fenway Park in Boston.