PHILLIES (37-50) @ PIRATES (46-41)
PHI A.J. Burnett (5-7, 3.92 ERA) vs PIT Jeff Locke (1-1, 3.46 ERA)
AROUND THE BASES
  • The Pirates go for their first sweep of the season and look to move six games above .500
  • A.J. Burnett returns to Pittsburgh today as rumors are swirling of Burnett being traded back to Pittsburgh before the July 31st deadline. Burnett has given up three earned runs or less in his last five starts. Burnett ranks 5th in the NL in innings pitched (117) but leads the NL in walks (51)
  • Jeff Locke who is very close friends with Burnett, takes the mound for Pittsburgh. Since being called up on June 8, Locke has allowed two earned runs or less in four of five starts.
  • The Pirates learned today that backup shortstop Clint Barmes will miss four to six weeks due to a groin injury. An MRI showed the groin pulled off the bone but surgery is not required.
  • Jordy Mercer has been one of the best hitting shortstops the last two months. Since May 9, Mercer is hitting .285, third best among NL shortstops. He’s hitting .683 in month of July.
  • Josh Harrison will start in left field today in place of Starling Marte who gets a day off.
PIRATES LINEUP
1. Gregory Polanco, RF
2. Josh Harrison, LF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Neil Walker, 2B
5. Russell Martin, C
6. Ike Davis, 1B
7. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
8. Jordy Mercer, SS
9. Jeff Locke, P