Baseball

McCutchen was scratched from Sunday's lineup due to right knee soreness, but it was never a major concern. He should be fine moving forward.

He's just getting the day off. Jose Tabata will make the start in left field while Garret Jones plays right. Gaby Sanchez is at first base.

He'll head back down to the minors now that Jose Contreras is back from the bereavement list. Hughes has a 4.61 ERA and 13/9 K/BB ratio over 13 2/3 innings this season and should get another shot in the Pirates' bullpen before long.

Contreras has been away from the team since Friday. The veteran right-hander returns to a 4.50 ERA and 4/1 K/BB ratio over four innings this season.

McCutchen was injured sliding into home Thursday, but it's not a major concern and he isn't dealing with any structural damage. The Pirates should update his status on Monday.

Grilli retired all three batters he faced, needing only 10 pitches. He's been probably the best closer in baseball through the first seven weeks of the 2013 season, boasting a 0.92 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 31/4 K/BB ratio in 19 2/3 innings. He has not blown an opportunity.

Locke looked excellent against the hapless Houston offense, yielding only three hits and two walks. He's now 4-1 with a cool 2.73 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 52 2/3 innings this season, but some regression should be expected. Locke will face off against the Brewers next.