Blogs

ARLINGTON, Texas — Tempers flared in the Pirates dugout Thursday between outfielder Lastings Milledge and bench coach Gary Varsho. Players had to step in between the two as they shouted at each other in the top of the sixth inning. “A heated discussion, that’s all,” manager John Russell said. “It happens. Guys are trying hard. [...]

The Pirates equipment crew was spotted packing a Daniel McCutchen — it was No. 34, not Andrew’s No. 22 — jersey for the trip to Oakland, a sure indication the right-hander will make a spot start Saturday against the Athletics.

This morning, reliever Dana Eveland was designated for assignment. By doing so, the Pirates raised the white flag on the trade which netted Eveland (who was awful in three outings) from the Bue Jays in exchange for hard-throwing reliever Ronald Uviedo.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Even without Josh Hamilton, the hottest hitter in the American League, in their lineup tonight, the AL West-leading Rangers crushed the Pirates, 13-3. It was the Rangers’ 10th straight victory, the second-longest string in their history. “It’s a tough lineup to get through,” Pirates manager John Russell said. “They swing the bats [...]

ARLINGTON, Texas — Dana Eveland has not pitched in a game since June 11, when he tossed two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. He made a start June 7 and went five innings against the Cubs. Since then … “You try to keep him as fresh as you can by throwing sides,” manager John [...]

The Pirates made two baserunning gaffes in last night’s 6-3 loss against the Rangers. One of them proved costly.

Here’s another update on catcher prospect Tony Sanchez, who earlier today was hit in the face by a pitch while playing for High-A Bradenton.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Left-hander Zach Duke (elbow pain) is “coming along a little slower than anticipated,” according to manager John Russell, and might not throw his scheduled side Wednesday. If Duke cannot make his bullpen session, he likely be end up on the disabled list. A similar injury shelved Duke for 2 1/2 months in [...]

ARLINGTON, Texas — Catcher Tony Sanchez and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez were chosen to play in the All-Star Futures Game at 6 p.m. July 11 in Anaheim, Calif. Sanchez will play for Team USA, Hernandez will play for the World. Sanchez is hitting .314 with four homers and 35 RBI for High-A Bradenton. He’s expected to [...]

GM Neal Nuntington said “a handful of clubs have expressed some level of interest” in trading for Aki Iwamura, though most teams have turned down the Pirates’ overtures. “We’ll put some closure to it, one way or another, hopefully early this week,” Huntington said. • Saturday, Charlie Morton made his third rehab start with Triple-A [...]