Potential turning point in Brad Lincoln's career

By John Perrotto

A convergence of events on Monday night at PNC Park could conceivably change the course of Brad Lincoln's career.

Before the first game of a doubleheader against Milwaukee, right-hander Kevin Correia felt pain in his left side while throwing a between-starts bullpen session and was placed on the disabled list with a strained oblique. After the Pirates lost 8-1 to the Brewers in the opener, Lincoln pitched well in the second game as the Pirates prevailed 9-2 to end their 13-game losing streak against the Brewers.

Lincoln had to settle for a no-decision as the Pirates erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to snap a 2-2 tie but the right-hander pitched six strong innings, allowing two runs and three hits while walking one and striking out one. On a pitch limit because he has been working strictly in relief since being recalled from Class AAA Indianapolis for the second time this season on Aug. 6, Lincoln got his 18 outs on an economical 76 pitches.

Lincoln now moves into the starting rotation with Correia and left-hander Paul Maholm (shoulder) both on the DL. Hurdle did not immediately say where he will slot Lincoln among the starting five.

"We're going to give him the ball and see where he can take us," Hurdle said.