Pirates won't make corresponding move until tomorrow

Notes following Tuesday's 6-4 loss

Pittsburgh Pirates GM Neal Huntington confirmed after Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox that top prospect Pedro Alvarez has been called up and will make his MLB debut Wednesday night.

With Alvarez being called up, the Pirates will have to make a roster move.

Huntington said the Pirates won't make a corresponding move until Wednesday morning when Alvarez arrives in Pittsburgh.

The Pirates (23-41) dropped their 9th game in a row Tuesday night and are now 18 games under .500.

The top candidates to be designated for assignment include second baseman Aki Iwamura, and outfielder Ryan Church. Lastings Milledge and Delwyn Young are believed to be safe.

Church was 0-for-4 Tuesday night and is 6-for-65 at the plate since May 6th. However, he continues to start in right field.

The callup of Alvarez will push Andy LaRoche to the bench. Manager John Russell announced prior to the game that LaRoche will see time off the bench at second base, first base and even shortstop. LaRoche was working with infield instructor Carlos Garcia prior to the game.

LaRoche continues to show that he is not a major league caliber hitter, going 0-for-3 at the plate and is batting .232 on the season with just 3 home runs and 12 RBI's.

Pitcher Brad Lincoln (0-1, 7.50 ERA) made his home debut and allowed five runs in six innings for the second consecutive start after making his first career start last Wednesday night in a 7-5 loss to the Washington Nationals.