Charlie v Eddie Volquez; Lineup (Pedro at SS - no, not that one) & Notes

Today's Game - Charlie Morton (6-3, 4.34 ) vs. Edinson Volquez (8-5, 3.28); it's reunion day for the Bucs and Eddie. In the last three games, everything has been there for Charlie but his control - he's only given up 14 hits in 18 IP, but offset that work with 10 walks and two plunks. So it's a matter of him finding the dish now. He hasn't faced the Royals since 2009.

Eddie faces his old teammates (photo: Associated Press)

Eddie had his bounce back with the Pirates last year (13-7/3.04) and parlayed it into two years and $20M bucks with KC. He's been controlling his fastball and breaking stuff pretty well, and only lost once in his last eight outings. Volquez hasn't faced Pittsburgh since 2012. The game will be aired by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan with first pitch at 8:10.

Fran is still out, with Stew taking over, and Pedro Florimon, a former Twin who's been working at Indy, is at SS to allow JHK to return to third. Ishy is at first, Jaff is in left and Cutch is DH'ing. Get your scorecard...

• The Bucs made a couple of shuffles to the deck today: IF Pedro Florimon was called up from Indy, and can play short while allowing JHK to return to the hot corner if his bat cooperates at all.  RHP Wilfredo Boscan was optioned back to Indy after his third call-up of the year without an appearance. LHP Jayson Aquino, 22, was DFA’d for 40-man roster space. Jayson was bought from Toronto in May and was pitching at Bradenton; he should sneak through waivers.
• Since winning his MLB debut on June 14th, 2008 for the Atlanta Braves against the Angels, Morton is winless in six road interleague starts.
• Quick recovery: Gorkys Hernandez has already  been assigned to Indy to begin a rehab stint for his shoulder. And the long-lost Andrew Lambo was assigned to the GCL to begin his rehab time after his foot injury.
• The Pirates get the sixth Competitive Balance pick in the 2016 Draft in the sandwich round following the first round.
• Ryan Fagan has a piece for TSN called "The Fleeting Four,' involving players who a greater impact on their team than their tenure would suggest, including a foursome of ol' Buccos.
• Well, that was quick. The Cubs have DFA'ed Clayton Richard.