Bench Moves, Notes, Lineup

LHP Erik Bedard (4-7, 4.13) will try to even the series tonight against the Phillies' RHP Vance Worley (3-4, 2.78). It's a key game in the series, as the Bucs have J-Mick and AJ slated to go the next two days while the short handed Phils haven't so much as figured out who to throw out on the mound against them yet.

Worley is a ground ball guy who has faced Pittsburgh twice without a decision and putting up a 3.75 ERA. Bedard has been alternating good and bad starts since late May; unfortunately, he's due for a clunker. The game is at 7:05 and will be aired on Root Sports.

The Lineup: Jose Tabata LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Garrett Jones RF, Casey McGehee 1B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Clint Barmes SS, Mike McKenry C, Erik Bedard P.

Alex Presley is sitting so that Casey McGehee can get back in action, and McKenry is going to start out at catcher, bruised hand notwithstanding.

• Clint Hurdle said the Bucs have optioned Doug Slaten and Matt Hague to Indy. Slaten had to go because of Drew Sutton joining the team. Hague went so that the Bucs could call up a catcher, Eric Fryer, as Rod Barajas hurt his knee and Mike McKenry was hit in the hand during last night's game. The question is who gets bumped from the 40 man roster, which Fryer needs added to. If you're wondering, Fryer isn't having much of a year; he's hitting .167 and has 4 RBI in 123 AB.
• Yah, way too early to start scoreboard watchin', but maybe an omen of things to come: the Pirates, Mets, Cardinals, and Braves are all tied for the second wild card spot. 
• This day in history: Happy birthday, Jason Kendall, who turns 38. On his 27th B-Day in 2001, he was incorrectly ruled out at first, prompting the most famous steal in Pirate history. Manager Lloyd McClelland stormed out, griped, and finally pulled the sack off its stanchion and whirly-birded it into the dugout in protest.