BRADENTON, Fla. - Jason Bay still plans to dive for balls in left field. He just doesn't plan to do it again this spring.

Bay, the Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder and National League Rookie of the Year, said he learned his lesson after bruising a bone in his left wrist this week while trying to make a diving catch. General manager Dave Littlefield and manager Lloyd McClendon told Bay, who will miss at least a week of spring training games, to save the diving for the regular season.

"I realize I shouldn't be diving around like that," Bay said. "I can't be doing that down here. Sometimes you just can't help it. You're running to the ball, see it and your instincts take over, so you dive. But I understand what they're saying and should back off."

Bay was injured Tuesday in the fifth inning of the Pirates' game against the Cincinnati Reds when he tried in vain to catch Adam Dunn's double down the left-field line. He came up clutching his wrist and was taken out of the game immediately by McClendon.

"I've done it over a thousand times and nothing has ever happened, and I never thought anything of it," Bay said. "I probably will have to hold back the rest of spring training, but this won't change my approach."

Bay was taken to a hospital for diagnostic tests, which didn't reveal a fracture of ligament damage. Bay had his hand heavily bandaged when he met with reporters the next day and was sporting a slightly blackened left eye.

Bay said the pain mostly is confined to the back of his hand, which has made it difficult for him to squeeze a bat. Depending on the severity of the injury, Bay could be out of the lineup for as many as 10 days.

"Once the swelling goes down, we'll have a better indication how long it's going to be," Bay said.

Bay had only 15 at-bats when he was injured, but he could make up the lost time by playing in minor-league exhibition games, where he feasibly could bat once an inning.

"I want to get him as many at-bats as I can," McClendon said. "But I don't want him to have any setbacks."

Bay thinks he'll be able to get his timing back before the season begins.

McClendon will use Bay's absence to take a look at other options in left field. Rob Mackowiak was the starter there Thursday in the Pirates' game against the Atlanta Braves.

Ben Grieve, who is trying to win a spot on the Pirates bench, is another possibility until Bay returns. McClendon also said he will take a longer look at minor-leaguer Nate McLouth, who will open the season at Class AAA Indianapolis.

"It's going to open up some playing time for guys that otherwise would not have gotten it," McClendon said.

Notes:

Catcher J.R. House, who was

unconditionally released Tuesday, has cleared waivers and is a free agent. ... Shortstop Jack Wilson (appendectomy) took batting practice off pitcher Joe Roa on Thursday. He is expected to make his spring debut Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. ... Left-hander Oliver Perez (left shoulder stiffness) will make his first start Friday against the Cleveland Indians.