http://mlb.mlb.com PIT Homepage News Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:33:26 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_18_pitmlb_cinmlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_away&c_id=pit Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:50:39 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_18_pitmlb_cinmlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_away&c_id=pit Mat Latos tries to get to 7-0 as the Reds play host to Charlie Morton and the Pirates in the second of a four-game set on Tuesday at Great American Ball Park. The Pirates have lost the first game of all five of their four-game series this season only to win the next three each time. Steven Petrella http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_17_pitmlb_cinmlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=pit Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:05:30 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_17_pitmlb_cinmlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=pit With a chance to move into second place in the National League Central by beating the team in front of them, the Pirates fell just short on Monday, losing to the Reds 4-1 at Great American Ball Park. Francisco Liriano allowed his first two homers of the season. Jeremy Warnemuende http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130617&content_id=50910076&notebook_id=50909802&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:47:30 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130617&content_id=50910076&notebook_id=50909802&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Left fielder Starling Marte was scratched before Thursday's game against the Giants and didn't start the next three games. He entered Sunday's win against the Dodgers in the sixth inning and finished the game, leaving manager Clint Hurdle confident Marte was ready for a pivotal series against the Reds. Jeremy Warnemuende http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130617&content_id=50910076&notebook_id=50909708&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:47:28 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130617&content_id=50910076&notebook_id=50909708&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit For the third straight day, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle went with Jordy Mercer at shortstop, as the Bucs began a three-game series against the Reds. Mercer's name has been in the starting lineup more and more of late, but that doesn't mean Hurdle is abandoning Clint Barmes at short. Jeremy Warnemuende http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130617&content_id=50910076&notebook_id=50910082&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:47:26 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130617&content_id=50910076&notebook_id=50910082&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Wandy Rodriguez made the trip to Cincinnati with the team this week. Before Monday's game, Rodriguez, who left a June 5 start against the Braves with left forearm tightness, was able to get some work done with pitching coach Ray Searage. Jeremy Warnemuende http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130616&content_id=50807794&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:10:10 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130616&content_id=50807794&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit Andrew McCutchen ranks seventh among National League outfielders in All-Star voting as of Sunday's latest balloting update. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130616&content_id=50802036&notebook_id=50804100&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:23:33 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130616&content_id=50802036&notebook_id=50804100&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit The Pirates have used 11 different starting pitchers already this season after employing only 10 all of last year, a sign of the club's improved depth. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130616&content_id=50802036&notebook_id=50803306&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:11:26 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130616&content_id=50802036&notebook_id=50803306&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Right-hander Brandon Cumpton will remain in the Pirates' rotation and make his next start in the finale of a four-game series with the Reds in Cincinnati on Thursday. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_16_lanmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:05:46 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_16_lanmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit Pedro Alvarez launched a three-run homer off Zack Greinke to break a 2-2 tie in the fifth and give the Pirates a 6-3 win behind rookie starter Gerrit Cole, who won his second decision in as many starts on Sunday. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_15_lanmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit Sat, 15 Jun 2013 21:25:17 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_15_lanmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit After the Pirates had clawed into a tie on Travis Snider's homer with one out in the ninth, the Dodgers scored twice in the 11th to take a 5-3 win over the Pirates on Saturday at PNC Park. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130615&content_id=50722566&notebook_id=50722852&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:59:02 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130615&content_id=50722566&notebook_id=50722852&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit The final run of the Pirates' 3-0 Friday night victory appeared to be a result of answered opportunity when Andrew McCutchen tagged up and scored on Neil Walker's foul popup about 100 feet beyond first base. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130615&content_id=50722566&notebook_id=50723212&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:58:57 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130615&content_id=50722566&notebook_id=50723212&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Left-hander Mike Zagurski, whose comeback hopes with the Pirates dead-ended in a series of ineffective outings, was designated for assignment on Saturday, clearing roster space for Brandon Cumpton. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130615&content_id=50722566&notebook_id=50722850&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:58:54 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130615&content_id=50722566&notebook_id=50722850&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Starling Marte remained out of the Pirates' lineup on Saturday but remained on the team's active roster. Lefty-hitting Alex Presley was back in left and atop the batting order. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_14_lanmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:41:43 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_14_lanmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit Jeff Locke permitted just two hits over seven shutout innings as the Bucs blanked the Dodgers, 3-0, on Friday at PNC Park. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130614&content_id=50623266&notebook_id=50622868&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:48:24 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130614&content_id=50623266&notebook_id=50622868&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Opposition players aren't the only ones scouted by Major League teams, who also put together their own information on managers. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130614&content_id=50618820&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:55:22 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130614&content_id=50618820&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit With veteran A.J. Burnett sidelined by a Grade 1 tear in his right calf, fellow righty Brandon Cumpton will make his Major League debut for the Pirates on Saturday in a start vs. the Dodgers. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_13_sfnmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:59:13 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_13_sfnmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit Pitching on the one-year anniversary of his perfect game against Houston, Matt Cain on Thursday blanked the Pirates on two hits for 6 2/3 innings in the Giants' 10-0 win over Charlie Morton, taking the luster off Morton's first start after recovering from Tommy John surgery last June 14. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50552992&notebook_id=50556134&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:37:40 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50552992&notebook_id=50556134&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit The Pirates signed 10 players from the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, the team announced Thursday. Sam Houston State lefty Cody Dickson, a fourth-round selection, was the most notable of the 10. Tom Singer and Steven Petrella http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50552992&notebook_id=50555120&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:28:12 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50552992&notebook_id=50555120&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer feels like a little kid again. He's playing baseball, contributing to his team, and having fun doing it. Tom Singer and Steven Petrella http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50552992&notebook_id=50554622&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:22:19 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50552992&notebook_id=50554622&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Starling Marte's hopes of building on his first career four-hit game were spoiled a couple of hours prior to the start of Thursday night's game, when he was a late scratch from the Pirates lineup due to discomfort in his left rib-cage area. Tom Singer and Steven Petrella http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50552992&notebook_id=50553604&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:16:56 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50552992&notebook_id=50553604&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit In the middle of a weeklong homestand, the Bucs found themselves down to only one cog of their season-opening starting rotation: Jeff Locke, moved up for Friday's start against the Dodgers in place of A.J. Burnett, placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right calf strain. Tom Singer and Steven Petrella http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50539478&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:39:28 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130613&content_id=50539478&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit A.J. Burnett was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a right calf strain that had already prompted the Pirates to scratch him from his scheduled start Friday. That opened up a spot on the active 25-man roster for Charlie Morton, while veteran right-hander Jose Contreras was given his unconditional release to clear room on the 40-man roster. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50467358&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit Wed, 12 Jun 2013 23:10:14 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50467358&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit Pirates second baseman Neil Walker was awarded a home run after video review in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game against the Giants. Steven Petrella http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_12_sfnmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:13:28 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_12_sfnmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit The top third of the Pirates' lineup was top-notch Wednesday night, as Starling Marte, Jordy Mercer and Andrew McCutchen sparked a 12-8 victory over San Francisco at PNC Park. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50451138&notebook_id=50452908&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:09:28 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50451138&notebook_id=50452908&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Pirates manager Clint Hurdle confirmed the obvious Wednesday afternoon, that Gerrit Cole will remain in his regular rotation and face the Dodgers on Sunday, in the finale of this six-game homestand. Tom Singer and Steven Petrella http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50451138&notebook_id=50452722&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:06:39 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50451138&notebook_id=50452722&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Charlie Morton doesn't feel better or worse than he did the last time he pitched in a Major League game. He's just glad his arm doesn't hurt anymore. Almost one year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Morton will make his 2013 debut Thursday against the Giants. Tom Singer and Steven Petrella http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50451138&notebook_id=50452456&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:59:19 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50451138&notebook_id=50452456&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit After Pirates reliever Tony Watson hit Marco Scutaro on the hand Tuesday, forcing the second baseman from the game, Giants reliever George Kontos threw behind Starling Marte and then hit Andrew McCutchen, but neither manager Clint Hurdle nor McCutchen was bothered by the apparent retaliation. Tom Singer and Steven Petrella http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50433930&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50433930&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit Bert Leyva was fiercely proud of his son and his baseball career. But Nick Leyva, the Pirates' third-base coach, was even prouder of his father, who was 16 when he was born. Tom Singer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130611&content_id=50373086&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:44:55 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130611&content_id=50373086&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit In a place like Pittsburgh -- a place that can be a great baseball town, on the condition that it gets great baseball -- the hype and the hope are particularly palpable. But the Pirates' top prospect, righty Gerrit Cole, to put it plainly, did not disappoint en route to winning his Major League debut Tuesday night at PNC Park. Anthony Castrovince http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_11_sfnmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:57:32 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_11_sfnmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=pit The night began with intoxicating anticipation, and ended in unbridled celebration at PNC Park. Gerrit Cole had not come to let anyone down, he wasn't here to add another layer of baseball disappointment to a city a generation-deep in them. Instead, Cole blanked the Giants through the first six innings of his Major League debut Tuesday, earning the 8-2 victory and the city's gratitude. Tom Singer