BRADENTON, Fla. - Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Chris Duffy and catcher Ryan Doumit were called into manager Lloyd McClendon's office Tuesday for the dreaded meeting every player wants to avoid during spring training.

So, after being told they weren't in the Pirates' opening day plans, why did they emerge with smiles? And why were they still with the team?

Mostly because neither player figured to stay with the Pirates nearly this long - and neither has been officially cut.

With left fielder Jason Bay (bruised left wrist bone) still sidelined as Monday's season opener approaches, Duffy and Doumit will stay with the Pirates for an extra day or two.

Both are headed to Triple-A Indianapolis, but the Pirates don't want to option them until they're certain Bay is ready. Bay went 2-for-6 while playing a third consecutive day in the minor league camp Tuesday, but is expected to be in the Pirates' lineup today.

Bay hasn't played in a major league exhibition since injuring his wrist diving for a fly ball March 8.

First baseman Daryle Ward was out nearly a week with soreness in his left side, but played part of Tuesday's 11-5 loss to the Blue Jays at first base and popped up in his only at-bat.

"If something does happen, if they have any kind of setbacks, there will be some things reconsidered," general manager Dave Littlefield said.

Duffy and Doumit, teammates last season at Double-A Altoona, are among a growing number of position player prospects who could be ready for the majors soon. That's a turnaround from recent seasons, when the Pirates promoted mostly pitchers from the minors.

Duffy has a .340 average, one homer and 12 RBI, while Doumit is hitting .400 with five homers and 11 RBI.

"I think I came in here and showed them what I'm capable of doing," said Doumit, who has half as many homers as he did for Double-A Altoona in 67 games last season.

Duffy, who turns 25 next month, is an excellent defensive player but still needs work to become a major league leadoff hitter.

"Offensively, we've talked a lot in the past about being more patient and working toward being that leadoff type of hitter, and he's done a nice job," Littlefield said. "More than anything, we've tried to get him to realize he's got to play his game: Stay on top of the ball, work the counts, use the whole field. It certainly feels as though he's close."

Doumit, 24, is glad to be healthy again after having back and elbow injuries the last three seasons.

"I'm very happy with the way I performed," Doumit said.

Once Duffy and Doumit are sent down, the Pirates will have 28 players in camp, even though only one position - the seventh and final spot in the bullpen - is open. Right-handers Mark Corey and Rick White are competing.

Non-roster reliever Joe Roa has been out more than a week with a groin injury and was told by Littlefield he won't make the team. He will remain in Bradenton to work out before being sent to Indianapolis.

The Pirates' projected roster, barring any late injuries or trades:

Pitchers: LHP Oliver Perez, RHP Kip Wells, LHP Mark Redman, RHP Josh Fogg, LHP Dave Williams, RHP Jose Mesa, RHP Salomon Torres, RHP Brian Meadows, RHP Ryan Vogelsong, LHP Mike Gonzalez, LHP John Grabow and White or Corey.

Catchers; Benito Santiago, Humberto Cota.

Infielders: 1B-OF Craig Wilson, 1B Daryle Ward, 2B Jose Castillo, SS Jack Wilson, 3B Ty Wigginton, INF Freddy Sanchez, INF Bobby Hill.

Outfielders: LF Jason Bay, CF Tike Redman, RF Matt Lawton, OF-3B Rob Mackowiak.