Pittsburgh, PA (My Sportsbook) - Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield announced Wednesday that second baseman Pat Meares dropped his grievance against the team.

Meares, who has been on the disabled list since Spring Training because of a left hand injury, contended in the grievance that he was healthy enough to play.

"The grievance has been resolved, and Pat has withdrawn his challenge," said Littlefield. "We have stayed consistent with our feeling that Pat has been an injured player (and that's) why we put him on the disabled list.

"Pat has agreed that he will stay on the disabled list for the 2003 season."

Meares signed with the Pirates as a free agent prior to the 1999 campaign after spending six seasons with the Minnesota Twins.

The 34-year-old then suffered the injury during an exhibition game in April of that year. He broke a bone at the bottom of his hand, causing him to lose significant strength in the hand. He only played in 21 games in 1999, but the Pirates still gave him a $15 million, four-year contract extension.

This decision essentially concludes Meares' career with Pittsburgh. In 240 games with the Pirates, Meares hit .238 with 17 home runs and 79 RBI.