DENVER -- John Russell is keenly aware of the complaints about Freddy Sanchez batting second. The Pirates' manager has heard about it from those that follow the team, and he even has debated it himself.

But he is sticking by it, as he did again last night.

Even though Sanchez had a .225 batting average, including .154 this month.

Even though Sanchez's .251 on-base percentage is one of the lowest of any everyday player in Major League Baseball, and volumes of statistics will show that the best lineups have the best on-base guys higher in the order.

Russell has been reluctant to elaborate on his reasons, but he did provide some glimpse into his thinking in his Coors Field office this weekend.

"Without going into a lot of detail, you have to look at it a lot of different ways," Russell said. "Yeah, we'd like to get Freddy going. But you also have to look at how the lineup balances out. Best case scenario: Freddy hits in the two-hole, and we've got a very potent top of the order. If we move him to the bottom, now we're looking at too many potential outs in one spot. If Freddy's not hitting where he is now, we've got Nate McLouth and Ryan Doumit right there. If you put him near the bottom, the pitcher's there."

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Minor-league report

Saturday's games

INDIANAPOLIS (46-55) lost at Columbus, 6-5. RHP Jimmy Barthmaier (3-1, 3.58) allowed four runs and six hits in 2 2/3 innings. He struck out one, walked five and threw 33 of 67 pitches for strikes. RHP Evan Meek (3.26) allowed one unearned run in 2 1/3 innings of relief. LHP Juan Perez (0.00) pitched two scoreless innings. 3B Neil Walker (.233) went 1 for 5 with a triple and two RBIs. 1B Steve Pearce (.260) went 1 for 5 with an RBI.

ALTOONA (42-56) lost to Harrisburg, 5-1. RHP Dan Reichert (0-1, 6.75) allowed four runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. 1B Jason Delaney (.300) went 1 for 2 with two walks.

LYNCHBURG (44-55) won at Potomac, 2-0. LHP Tony Watson (5-9, 3.40) pitched seven no-hit innings, struck out eight and walked two. RHP Kevin Roberts (3.79) pitched two scoreless innings of relief and allowed two hits in recording his eighth save. 2B Jim Negrych (.366) went 1 for 4 with a double.

HICKORY (41-58) lost to Lakewood, 12-7. RHP Rafael De Los Santos (2-7, 5.22) allowed three runs and four hits in 4 2/3 innings. 3B Matt Hague (.368) went 2 for 5.

STATE COLLEGE (8-22) beat Jamestown, 5-3. RHP Brian Leach (0-0, 4.98) allowed one run and two hits in three innings. 3B Jeremy Farrell (.357) went 3 for 4 with an RBI.

BRADENTON (12-11) lost to the Twins. LHP Tyler Cox (1-2, 2.21) pitched five scoreless innings and allowed two hits. 3B Jarek Cunningham (.414) hit his third home run and went 2 for 3 with a walk.

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Why not bat Sanchez ninth rather than Jack Wilson?

"We like what Jack is doing there, and we like what he brings us. There are a lot of things we look at, but the bottom line is getting Freddy going."

Another element: The Pirates like where several of their players are hitting, and the surprisingly productive offense this summer suggests to them that too much moving around -- even if it puts Sanchez in a more appropriate spot -- could hurt someone else.

The bottom line, as Russell reiterated, is that Sanchez needs to begin regaining form.

"The encouraging thing is I'm not seeing him chase and swing and miss the way he had been," Russell said. "He's starting to put balls in play. When he was scuffling, he was swinging and missing a lot, and that's so uncharacteristic of him. He always had a knack for getting the bat to the ball, and that's a good start for him."

Sanchez's ails surely can be blamed, to some extent, on the offseason shoulder surgery that hindered his season opening. But those inside the team also have noticed that opponents are playing him different in field, with the second baseman usually right behind the bag to take away one of his favorite spots for singles.

Also, pitchers became relentless in throwing him sliders once he showed a tendency to chase.

Alas, Sanchez rewarded his manager's confidence last night by going 3 for 4 with a double, the average inching up to .230.

Nady arrives, but scratched

Outfielder Xavier Nady reported to the team yesterday, as scheduled, after a five-day absence for the birth of his and wife Meredith's first child, also named Xavier. But Russell decided not to start him because of the long layoff.

"I don't think it would be fair," Russell said. "He's spent a few days sitting in a hospital, and what he needed today was to just get his legs under him."

Nady had a vigorous, solo workout with strength coach Frank Velasquez in the afternoon.

At home, all is well.

"Healthy and happy," Nady said of the infant. "It was a tough thing saying goodbye."

Buried treasure

• Expect John Van Benschoten to get the Pirates' still-unannounced start tomorrow in Houston.

• Reliever Tyler Yates' younger brother, Spencer, flew in from Hawaii -- where both live -- to take in the series. It was the first time he saw Tyler pitch in the majors.

• Colorado's starter today, Aaron Cook, originally was to pitch Thursday, then Saturday once it was clear he would pitch Tuesday in the All-Star Game. But, once Rockies manager Clint Hurdle needed him three innings that night, he was pushed back again.