It took some rain to make it happen, but John Van Benschoten will make his first start of the season for the Pirates today.

Their scheduled game against the Atlanta Braves yesterday at PNC Park was rained out, bringing a doubleheader today -- first pitch at 12:35 p.m. -- as well as an adjustment to the rotation. Zach Duke, expected to start yesterday, will pitch Game 1 today and Van Benschoten will get the start for Game 2, with manager John Russell electing to push back Phil Dumatrait and the rest of the regulars by a day.

For Van Benschoten, it will mark his first major league start since last season, when he went 0-7 with a 10.15 ERA in nine starts for the Pirates.

With his being 28 and having tasted little success above Class AAA, it might be safe to assume chances such as the one today will be precious.

"Honestly, I'm just looking at it as another start in the big leagues," Van Benschoten said. "I don't think it's a matter of proving myself or some big stepping stone. I don't know what plans they have for me in the future, but I'll do whatever they ask of me, whether it's starting or relief."

He has made three relief appearances since being recalled from Class AAA Indianapolis two weeks ago and has a 4.91 ERA, with four hits and four walks in as many innings.

The numbers aside, he has seemed to carry himself more confidently than last season.

"It's a different feeling," he said. "I'm not sure, really, how to describe it. I view this now as an opportunity rather than a don't-screw-this-up situation. I expect to do well."

Atlanta's pitchers for the doubleheader will be, in order, Jair Jurrjens and Tim Hudson.

Neither game will be televised.

Tickets purchased for yesterday can be exchanged for any remaining home game except the June 24-26 series against the New York Yankees and the Aug. 14-16 SkyBlast promotions.