Jeff v Chris Narveson; Lefty Lineup & Notes

Today's Game - Jeff Locke (6-8, 4.56) opposes Chris Narveson (1-0, 3.86) in the third game of the set. Jeff is having a second half meltdown. In his last six games, he's put up an unwieldy 6.39 ERA and hasn't made it to the sixth inning, with the Giants handing him his latest defeat. He did shut out the Fish over 5-2/3 IP in May and is solid lifetime against them, going 2-2/3.08 in six career starts.

Kendry Flores was originally slated to go tonight (he was David Phelps sub) but he's got a grumpy arm, so Narveson, 33, got the call instead.  It's his first start since 2012, when he was a Brewer. Narveson is a late pickup; he joined the Fish this month from AAA Nashville after spending 2014 in Japan. The veteran lefty worked a half dozen games out of the pen as the long man before picking up tonight's spot start. The game begins at 7:10 and will be aired by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Clint is going to come up with some oddball combos with all this manpower, so get used to juggled lineups, like tonight's. The Kid gets a start against a lefty; tonight Pedro and tonight Gregory get a seat. Stew is getting the assignment behind the plate; maybe he can find the key to Jeff Locke.

• Starling Marte recorded his league-leading 12th outfield assist last night, ho-humming a throw to third for an easy tag out of Adeiny Hechavarria. It’s the most assists in a season by a Pirate OF'er since Jason Bay had 13 in 2007. After he and El Coffee nailed runners last night, the Pirates have 28 outfield assists, tied for the NL lead with the Dodgers.
• AJ did fine tossing off the mound yesterday; he'll throw another three-inning sim game on Sunday. He expects to be back for the September run.
• The Bucs are among several teams scouting Korean 1B Park Byung-ho. The slugger has 43 HR in the KBO. 
• Carlos Munoz, a 21-year-old 1B, was voted the Appalachian League Player of the Year after hitting .330 with 11 homers & 38 RBIs in 52 games with the Bristol Pirates.