Blogs

CINCINNATI — Last night, the Pirates got their first look at Reds reliever Aroldis Chapman. The lefty threw 10 pitches — eight of them 101 mph or faster. He also mixed in two 90-mph sliders, which Garrett Jones swung through for a strikeout. Chapman worked a 1-2-3 inning and got two strikeouts. “You barely have [...]

CINCINNATI — In this morning’s paper, I wrote about how Charlie Morton’s confidence issues wrecked most of his season and caused the Pirates to send to the minors for physical rest and mental repairs. Talking with Charlie and those around him, I get the sense he finally realizes what his problems are and has a plan to fix them.

Alex Presley went into spring training this year just hoping to win a spot in the outfield in Double-A after a mediocre 2009 season in High-A Lynchburg.

Brad Lincoln smiled when asked whether it was different coming to Pittsburgh this time than it was in early June.

Brandon Moss will get a second chance — albeit a potentially brief one — with the Pirates. Moss will be among eight players brought up Tuesday from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Reliever Evan Meek (bruised right hand) is playing catch this morning and said he feels ready to return to action. However, even as Meek was working out on the field, manager John Russell was taking a more cautious approach about Meek’s availability.

The beat writers spoke at length a few minutes ago with GM Neal Huntington. Some revealing highlights: »»» Huntington said the club is in “wait and see” mode with injured right-hander Jeff Karstens: “No reason to rush him back, but also no reason to shut him down. If he can finish the year on the [...]

Right-hander Jeff Karstens probably is done for the season due to what manager John Russell described as a “cranky” arm. Karstens (3-10, 4.88) had his shoulder heavily iced in recent days.

CHICAGO — Outfielder John Bowker was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis, and will be used in right field and at first base. “He gives us another option off the bench and occasional spot starts,” manager John Russell said.