Lineup, Notes, News: Locke Looking To Prevent Sweep

LHP Chris Rusin (0-2, 9.00 ERA) of the Cubs takes the bump against LHP Jeff Locke (0-1, 4.82 ERA). Rusin is a rookie left-hander making his third career start. He tossed a pretty strong game in his first outing against Milwaukee, but was beat up in Washington. Locke is taking his second trip around the MLB block and making his sixth career start. Both pitchers are looking for their first big league win. The game starts at 1:35 and will be shown on Root Sports. It's also on WGN for folk outside the region.

The lineup: Brock Holt 2B, Starling Marte LF, Andrew McCutchen CF, Garrett Jones RF, Gaby Sanchez 1B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Mike McKenry C, Clint Barmes SS, Jeff Locke P.

The Pirates haven't been swept at home this year; Locke is the only thing between the club and its first PNC brooming of the season. It'd be nice if the sticks gave him a little support this afternoon.

• Chad Qualls was activated from the DL, and JT is ready to go. Travis Snider is day-to-day yet, and The Kid is at least taking some swings in the cage now.
• The Pirates have given up 124 stolen bases and thrown out 14 runners, a 10% rate. The league average is 26%. Mike McKenry has tossed out 14% (8-of-58), and Rod Barajas 7.5% (6-of-80). 'Nuff said; hopefully the Bucs will take that stat line a little more seriously in 2013.
• Indy was eliminated from the International League playoffs 3 games to 1 by Charlotte, losing 6-4. That's not too surprising considering the Bucs claimed their rotation. The Tribe's Daniel McCutchen, Evan Meek, Bryan Morris, Chase d'Arnaud, Matt Hague and Yamaico Navarro are all on the 40-man roster, so we'll see if the Bucs add any of them to the September mix. Gustavo Nunez, their Rule V pick, is due to be added by mid-week when his 20-day rehab period is done. We assume since the minor league season is finished that he's in Bradenton at Pirate City now.