Game: Astros (12-31) at Pirates (25-18)
Time: 1:35 p.m.
Site: PNC Park
TV, radio: Root Sports, KDKA-FM 93.7
Weather: 75 and mostly cloudy
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Life has been tough for Lucas Harrell in his past three starts. He allowed five runs and five walks in five innings in his most recent outing. He walked six in five innings in the start before that, but only allowed one run. On May 4, he allowed eight runs on 10 hits and four walks in 41/3 innings, giving him 13 walks in his past 141/3 innings.
Jeff Locke has not allowed more than three earned runs since April 18, the game he gave up three homers.
Bat vs. pitch
Locke vs. Astros: Altuve 3-6, Barnes 1-4, Dominguez 2-7, Martinez 0-2
Harrell vs. Pirates: Alvarez 1-2, Barmes 0-2, Inge 3-3, Jones 2-6, Marte 1-3, McCutchen 2-3, McKenry 1-2, Mercer 0-2, Sanchez 1-2, Walker 1-5
Lineups
Astros
1. Brandon Barnes CF
2. Jose Altuve 2B
3. J.D Martinez LF
4. Chris Carter 1B
5. Carlos Corporan C
6. Jimmy Paredes RF
7. Matt Dominguez 3B
8. Marwin Gonzalez SS
9. Lucas Harrell RHP
Pirates
1. Starling Marte CF
2. Travis Snider LF
3. Garrett Jones RF
4. Gaby Sanchez 1B
5. Neil Walker 2B
6. Pedro Alvarez 3B
7. Michael McKenry C
8. Clint Barmes SS
9. Jeff Locke LHP
Update 11:08 a.m.: Pre-game notes.
***The Astros updated their lineup, reflected above. They replaced Ronny Cedeno with Marwin Gonzalez at short and then shuffled the deck a bit.
***Bryan Morris is not available.
***Jeff Karstens took a positive step in his rehab outing Saturday, Clint Hurdle said.
"They dropped the ball on him in the first inning, which extended the pitches," Hurdle said. "He got through four, pitch-efficient after the first, got in a good rhythm, threw all four pitches. It was a good outing."
Karstens is scheduled for a side session Tuesday. Then he will throw five innings or 80 pitches Thursday, though the Pirates have not yet determined where he will do so.
***James McDonald will throw side sessions Tuesday and Friday. He will start a rehab assignment with Class AA Altoona May 27th, throwing four innings or 65 pitches.
***Chase d'Arnaud is scheduled to play seven innings for Altoona today and Monday.
***Wandy Rodriguez, Francisco Liriano and Jeanmar Gomez will start against the Cubs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, though Hurdle said that is still subject to change.
Update 11:46 a.m.: The Pirates scratched Andrew McCutchen from the lineup because of soreness in his right knee. The new lineup is reflected above.
First Published: March 24, 2016, 5:16 p.m.
