Locke v Alvarez; Grilli w/Flexor Strain, Out 4-8 Weeks

Jeff Locke (9-2, 2.11) opens the set against Henderson Alvarez (0-1, 3.28) . Locke looked strong against the Reds last time out after missing a start due to back tightness. The lefty has been charged with three earned runs or less in each of his last 16 starts and his 2.11 ERA ranks second overall in the NL behind Clayton Kershaw (2.01). Jeff, btw, made his big league debut against the Fish and Anibal Sanchez at PNC Park on September 10th, 2011, losing 3-0.

Alvarez, a righty, has also been strong, though he didn't debut until July 4th, missing the first half of the season with shoulder inflammation. Last year with Toronto he was a pitch-to-contact sinkerball guy that gave up 29 HR. But he threw seven scoreless against the Brewers in his last outing, so when he keeps the ball down, he's effective.

The game starts at 7:10, and will be aired by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Pirate lineup: Starling Marte LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Russ Martin C, Garrett Jones RF, Gaby Sanchez 1B, Jordy Mercer SS and Jeff Locke P.

Maybe JT's arm is still black and blue, as Jones is back in the pasture.

Marlin lineup: Adeiny Hechavarria SS, Christian Yelich LF, Giancarlo Stanton RF, Ed Lucas 3B, Logan
Morrison 1B, Donovan Solano 2B, Jake Marisnick CF, Jeff Mathis C and Henderson Alvarez P.

• RHP Jason Grilli was seen by team doctors and Dr. James Andrews, and was diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right arm. He's is not a surgical candidate but will need a period of rest before beginning a throwing program, with an estimated recovery time of 4-8 weeks. Grilli will be reevaluated in 1-14 days.
• Last night, Vic Black joined Gerrit Cole, Brandon Cumpton, Ryan Reid, Duke Welker and Phil Irwin as Bucco pitchers who made their MLB debut this season.
• This is the first meeting of the season between the Marlins and Bucs. 
• Joel Sherman of the NY Post tweeted that the Pirates and Rangers keep checking in on the availability of Giancarlo Stanton, but Jeff Loria won't let him go. Tom Smith of Marlins Maniac posts that the Fish are listening, but have a sky-high price tag that probably only the Pirates, Mariners, and Rangers might be deep enough in prospects to meet.  
• Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports that the Bucs had people observing Brian Wilson's audition, along with reps from the Diamondbacks, A's, Giants, Phillies, Rangers, Rockies and Cardinals.
• LHP Ted Lilly and OF Chis Dickerson have been DFA'ed; wonder if the Bucs have any interest in either?
• RHP Stolmy Pimentel went six innings for Indy last night, giving up a run on six hits with three K, losing a 1-0 decision as the Tribe was no-hit.  
• Speaking of no-nos, Altoona served up a zippo by committee: Ethan Hollingsworth (4 IP), Jason Townsend (3 IP), Jhonathan Ramos (1 IP), and Ryan Beckman (1 IP) combined for a Curve no hitter. They beat the New Hampshire Cats 5-0, with Hollingworth's HBP and Townsend's walk all that stood between the gang and perfection.
• Pirates minor league RHP Delvin Hiciano (DSL) received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for the steroid Stanozolol, commonly sold under the brand name Winstrol.