Morton v Koehler

Charlie Morton (2-2, 3.35) takes on Tom Koehler (2-5, 4.38) today. Ground Chuck has gotten into the seventh his past pair of starts. He's shown flashes of the 2011 model and is getting a little stronger each outing, though the whole package hasn't arrived yet. Koehler made his debut on May 12th, and is in the rotation as the traded Ricky Nolasco's replacement. In the last month, he's put up a 2.74 ERA after a rough start to his career, and in his last outing at Coors Field gave up just a run, striking out seven without a walk.

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, Garrett Jones 1B, Mike McKenry C, Travis Snider RF, Jordy Mercer SS and Charlie Morton P.

JT with a bruised arm and Russ Martin with a cranky knee are both out today.

Marlin lineup: Adeiny Hechavarria SS, Christian Yelich LF, Giancarlo Stanton RF, Logan Morrison 1B, Donovan Solano 2B, Placido Polanco 3B, Jake Marisnick CF, Rob Brantly C and Tom Koehler P.

• Maimi's record may be poor, but games against the Marlins are a grind, especially for teams like Pittsburgh that are without a steady offense. Fish starting pitchers have allowed three runs or fewer in 30 of their last 34 outings, and the team ERA is 3.19, so they can keep games tight.
• The Cardinals, Pirates and Reds have the best records in NL. The last time the the best records in the NL came from same division was the 1987 NL East (Cards - 95 wins, Mets -92 and Expos - 91).
• Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com  has the updated Top Twenty Prospects Watch, with Austin Meadows and Reese McGuire slotted.