ST. LOUIS -- Shortstop Jack Wilson finally is about to make his first significant step toward returning to the Pirates.

He is scheduled to join Class AA Altoona Thursday for its 10:35 a.m. home game against Akron, about four days earlier than he had expected to be with the Curve. He will need to play about a week's worth of games with Altoona.

On that timetable, he would be back with the Pirates as early as May 23. His original target date was May 27.

His recovery from the strained left calf in Bradenton, Fla., has been seamless in recent days, prompting him and management to accelerate his timetable slightly.

Also, the Tampa Bay Rays' decision regarding Rule 5 draft pick Evan Meek is expected tomorrow. The Pirates and Rays are trying to work out a trade that would keep Meek in the Pittsburgh system. If none is worked out, the Rays could reclaim him for $25,000.