PNC Park – The Pirates (51 – 31) look to rebound after last night’s 3 – 1 setback to the Phillies (40 – 44). Jeff Locke (7 – 1, 2.06 ERA) will face John Lannan (1 – 2, 4.83 ERA).
Leading-off
Jose Tabata has been activated off of the 15-day DL and will be available tonight. Brandon Cumpton has been optioned back to AAA Indianapolis.
Hurdle’s Quotes
On players “exceeding expectations” during the first half – “I’m not a big surpass expectation guy. I love the way that Marte has adapted to the lead-off spot and the way he’s played left-field in his first full season.”
“I love the way Martin has taken ownership behind the plate and in the batter’s box and in the clubhouse.”
“I love the way that Jeff Locke has molded into the rotation and, at this particular point in time, be the last man standing since we left Bradenton.”
“I love the way Jeanmar Gomez has been transitional from bullpen to start to whatever we’ve asked him to do. It almost seems like he’s invisible and he just goes out there and gives you the same 75-80 pitches, nobody dings him too much, he gets them to hit the ball on the ground.”
“I love the way that our bullpen has bought into the concept that our job is to be able to get the ball to Melancon whose job is to give it to Grilli.”
“ I love the fact that everyone’s name that I didn’t mention has thrown something in at some particular point in time during the first half. Everybody, basically, has won a game for us.
Other Notes
— James McDonald continues with his shoulder rehabilitation program. He saw Dr. Meister in Dallas, TX yesterday. Dr. Meister agreed with the diagnosis of the Pirates’ doctors. There is some inflammation, tendonitis, but there’s no structural damage. The next step in McDonald’s rehabilitation is rest for two weeks. “It was good news. It sucks that you have to be out, but it was good news to hear, though.”
He goes on to add that during the previous rehab stint, he had started too quick leading to his prolonged injury, “They said that the amount of time I didn’t throw (previously) wasn’t enough (to get the inflammation/tendonitis out) and I rushed a little bit to get back.”
The Pirates released an updated injury update today:
— A.J, Burnett threw a simulated game yesterday without incident. He will be re-evaluated today and his next step is TBA. It would be surprising if he went on a rehab assignment before starting in Pittsburgh.
— Jared Hughes threw a 35 pitch bullpen yesterday without incident. He is scheduled to fly to Florida on Thursday to continue his return to pitch progression.
— Jeff Karstens continues with his shoulder rehabilitation program.
— Wandy Rodriguez is in the rest and treatment phase of his rehabilitation post PRP injection.
— Phil Irwin had surgery today in Pittsburgh to transpose the ulnar nerve. Typical return from this surgery is approximately two months.
— Kyle McPherson is scheduled to be seen by Dr. Andrews late next week.
First pitch is set for 7:05.
