Doumit to rehab in Indianapolis

Catcher Ryan Doumit will begin a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday. If all goes well, he'll be activated from the 15-day disabled list Monday.

Doumit, who has been sidelined for two weeks by a left hamstring strain, got the green light to begin playing again after successfully completing on-field running drills Tuesday afternoon. He'll join the Bucs' top farm club in Toledo on Thursday before meeting the big-league team in Chicago next Monday.

"That's the plan right now," said Pirates manager Jim Tracy. "But until we see how the leg responds in game-type situations, there is nothing that is completely certain. But there has to be a plan. And for the time being, that is the plan."

Doumit, who had accompanied the Pirates during the entire six-game road trip, was informed of his assignment during a meeting with Tracy and assistant general manager Doug Strange.

"It's as expected," said Doumit. "I missed two weeks, and its pretty standard procedure. I'll go down there for a few games and I'll be back."