Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (64-60) look to break a five-game slump as they begin a three-game series against the Braves (64-60). Vance Worley (5-2, 2.51 ERA) will take the hill and oppose Ervin Santana (12-6, 3.66 ERA). Player Updates Andrew McCutchen took live batting practice today and "expects" to be in the lineup tomorrow when he's eligible to come off the DL. Jordy Mercer took fielding practice today without throwing and took swings in the cage. "He's got some more ... Read More
Bullpen can’t hold Locke’s lead, Pirates lose 4-3
Tony Watson had a rare bad inning and Justin Wilson allowed a walk-off double as the Pirates fell to the Nationals 4-3 on Saturday night. Watson entered the eighth inning with the Pirates leading 3-0 after a strong 5 2/3 innings from starter Jeff Locke. Things then went downhill as the Nationals (68-53) got a leadoff walk and two singles to make it 3-1. Watson then got Anthony Rendon to ground into a double play and seemed to have things under control, but Adam LaRoche followed with a two-run ... Read More
Pimentel placed on the 15-Day DL
Pirates reliever Stolmy Pimentel has been placed on the 15-Day disabled list with a sprained right ankle as reported by Bill Brink of the PG. Stolmy Pimentel goes on the 15-day DL because of a sprained right ankle. He said he hurt ankle throwing a pitch Wednesday.— Bill Brink (@BrinkPG) August 15, 2014 Pimentel is 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 31 2/3 innings this season with a 1.547 WHIP and 37 strikeouts. He has allowed seven runs over his last five appearances. John Axford will take ... Read More
Scherzer outduels Liriano as Tigers earn split
Max Scherzer threw one of his best outings of the season striking out 14 Pirates over eight innings of work as the Tigers defeated the Bucs 5-2 on Thursday afternoon to earn a series split. Scherzer and Pirates starter Francisco Liriano were locked in a pitchers duel through four innings before the Tigers (65-54) struck first in the fifth. J.D. Martinez sent a Liriano 1-1 slider over the left field fence. The homer was the first hit allowed by Liriano in the game. Liriano experienced his ... Read More
Pirates claim John Axford
The Pirates have acquired RHP John Axford from the Cleveland Indians in a waiver claim. The move was first reported by Ken Rosenthal and confirmed by Buster Olney. Source: #Pirates acquire John Axford. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 14, 2014 The Pirates got John Axford in a straight waiver claim from Cleveland. Owed about $1.1 million for the rest of the year. — Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 14, 2014 In 49 games with the Indians this season, Axford is 2-3 with ... Read More
Cole confident to return
Gerrit Cole continues to work his way back to a spot in the Pirates starting rotation after a solid rehab start in Indianapolis on Sunday. "It was good work [Sunday]," said Cole. "It was efficient. Good location of all four pitches and it was a nice outing." Cole pitched six shutout innings in his Sunday rehab start allowing one hit while striking out three. It was a welcome sight after going through a "mechanical" rehab outing in which he allowed five runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings. ... Read More
Volquez holds Tigers to two runs in Pirates 4-2 victory
Edinson Volquez threw six solid innings of one run ball and the Pirate offense but up another complete effort as they swept the Tigers in the Pittsburgh portion of a four-game home-and-home series with a 4-2 victory on Tuesday night. Volquez didn't have the most efficient start to his evening allowing three one out hits in the first inning to put the Tigers (63-54) ahead 1-0. With runners still on first and third, Victor Martinez sent a chopper back up the middle. Volquez -- who was looking ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/12: Hurdle discusses Cutch on the DL, Cumpton in the pen
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (63-55) look to sweep the Pittsburgh portion of a four-game home-and-home series with the Tigers(63-53). Edinson Volquez (9-7, 3.70 ERA) will take the hill and oppose Robbie Ray (1-1, 4.70 ERA). Player Updates The Pirates have recalled Brandon Cumpton from AAA Indianapolis and has sent Casey Sadler back to AAA. Cumpton will pitch out of the bullpen. Neil Walker is unavailable on the bench once again, but manager Clint Hurdle continues to see ... Read More
Pirates bats awaken in 11-6 rout of Detroit
The Pirates scored eight times in the first two frames to help them to a 11-6 series-opening victory over the Tigers on Monday night. The Pirates (63-55) got to work immediately against Tigers starter Justin Verlander. Josh Harrison led the inning off with a single and advanced to second on a fielding error by center fielder Rajai Davis. Gregory Polanco and Ike Davis followed with one out walks to load the bases and Starling Marte cleared them with a triple down the left field line. Travis ... Read More
Andrew McCutchen to the DL
The Pittsburgh Pirates today placed outfielder Andrew McCutchen on the 15-day disabled list (retro to August 4) with an avulsion fracture involving the costochondral cartilage of the left 11th rib. Prior to his injury, McCutchen posted a .311/.536/.947 with 32 doubles, five triples, 17 home runs, 68 walks and 67 RBI in 109 games. To take McCutchen’s place on the 25-man active roster, the club has recalled right-handed pitcher Casey Sadler from Triple-A Indianapolis. At the time of his ... Read More