Clint Barmes had been making a push for more playing time but Jordy Mercer (.278 – 6 HR – 21 RBI) has made it necessary for the Pirates to get his bat in the lineup. Mercer homered vs the Giants Thursday night and went 2-4 with a HR and 2 runs in the win. Mercer is batting .281 in August and is hitting .319 since the all-star break.