Arizona Diamondbacks (33-28) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (29-30)

ARI Zach Duke (1-1, 3.00) vs Paul Maholm (2-7, 3.66)
Pre-Game Buzz
— While the Pirates look to move to .500 for the first time this late in the season since the 2005 season (when they were 30-30 after 60 games), the team has received some bad news on the injury front.
Third baseman Pedro Alvarez reinjured his quad on Tuesday during his rehab session and according to the team is no longer able to play in extended spring games.
Pedro’s return to the club wasn’t imminent prior to the setback but he’s now likely to be sidelined for at least 3 more weeks.
The Pirates being 29-30 is more impressive when taking into account that they have received minimal production from Alvarez this season.
— The Pirates are coming off a thrilling 8-5 come from behind victory against the Diamondbacks, where they scored 5 runs in the 8th inning.
The Diamondbacks came into last night’s game 24-0 when leading after 7 innings.
— In the Pirates way to move to .500 tonight is former Pirate Zach Duke who goes up against close friend Paul Maholm.
In six seasons with the Pirates, Duke was 45-70 with a 4.54 ERA, losing at least 14 games four times. Duke will be making his 82nd career start at PNC where he is 31-31 all-time.
Duke is coming off a loss to the Washington Nationals, where he surrendered 4 runs in 5 innings of work on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Maholm is coming off a dismal outing where the Pirates jumped out to a 7-0 run lead, only to lose to the Mets 9-8. In the outing, Maholm gave up seven runs in 5 2/3 innings.
The Pirates have rebounded from the loss to take 2 of 3 from NL favorite Philadelphia and the first game against the Diamondbacks who came into last night’s game 6 games over .500.
Pirates Lineup
1. Jose Tabata, LF
2. Jose Harrison, 3B
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Neil Walker, 2B
5. Matt Diaz, RF
6. Chris Snyder, C
7. Lyle Overbay, 1B
8. Ronny Cedeno, SS
9. Paul Maholm, P

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Default ThumbnailPre-Game Buzz: Pirates gearing Alvarez up to begin rehab assignment Default ThumbnailGame 3 Pre-Game Buzz: Time to turn the series over to Matt Murray the rest of the way Default ThumbnailPost-Game Buzz: Harrison shines with 3 hit game; McCutchen drilled with 95 mph heater; Alvarez’s woes continue Default ThumbnailPirates send Pedro Alvarez back to the minors for rest of minor league season