Notes

LHP Paul Maholm (6-10, 3.16 ERA) will take on RHP Carlos Zambrano (7-6, 4.59 ERA) as the Bucs return home. The game will be on Root Sports at 7:05 PM.

Lineup: Andrew McCutchen CF, Garrett Jones RF, Neil Walker 2B, Derrek Lee 1B, Ryan Ludwick LF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Ronnie Cedeno SS, Mike McKenry C, Paul Maholm P.

It's no surprise that Lee and Ludwick are in the middle of the order, though we thought Clint Hurdle might bat Pedro between the two righties. It's also good to see Cedeno back; there was talk of him going the DL. McCutch is at leadoff, being the only Pirate in the lineup with any zoom. 

• Neil Walker has an eighteen game hitting streak against the Cubs; he's had a knock in every game he's ever played against them. He also has five multi-hit games in his last six starts
• Derrek Lee and Ryan Ludwick are both expected to be in uniform for Pittsburgh tonight. Lee will wear #25 and Ludwick will wear #36.
• 30 of Pittsburgh's next 36 games are against NL Central foes.
• Tim Williams of Pirates Prospects reports that the Pirates signed their seventh round draft pick, RHP Tim Burnette from Buford HS in Georgia. Terms were not disclosed.