Burnett meets former teammate Bedard, Astros

Erik Bedard started 24 games for the Pirates last season, going 7-14 with a 5.01 ERA. After being released in August, the 34-year-old left-hander signed with the Astros in January. On Saturday, he'll take on his former team for the first time.

Hughes recalled from Triple-A to replace Contreras

Righty Jose Contreras suffered a death in his family and left PNC Park before the game against the Houston Astros. The move returns righty Jared Hughes to the bullpen in which he was such a big part during his rookie season in 2012.

Pirates beneficiaries from error of Astros' ways

All the stars aligned in the proper order, and in the end there was Russell Martin clanging a second error off the Houston right fielder's glove for a 5-4 Pirates victory on Friday at PNC Park.

Pirates' pitchers racking up strikeouts

Three years after they ranked last in the National League in strikeouts, the Pirates (330 entering Friday) are on the verge of overtaking the Reds (334) for the league lead. In the first quarter of this season, the staff has already had nearly as many games with strikeouts in double-figures (15) as it had in all of 2010 (16).

Pirates welcome former division rival to town

Clint Hurdle, like any manager would, said that his Pirates will take the same approach against the Astros as they would against anyone else. But he admitted the familiarity with Houston makes things a little easier.

Gomez making most of his opportunity to start

The Pirates made righty Jeanmar Gomez a long reliever to begin 2013, and he surrendered only four runs in 13 2/3 innings during five appearances. But Gomez has gotten the opportunity to start three games in the last few months, and cashed in on that chance.

Snider's three-hit night backs Liriano's strong start

Travis Snider hit a two-run, fifth-inning rocket over the right-center-field wall to back starter Francisco Liriano, and it was all the offense that the Pirates would need in a 7-1 win over the Brewers Thursday night at PNC Park.

Bucs' bullpen living up to 'Shark Tank' nickname

Opponents have something to fear in the Pirates' bullpen, and its nickname seems to fit the bill. Setup man Mark Melancon dubbed the team's group of relievers the "Shark Tank" on Twitter earlier this season, and it has been as deadly as its moniker.

Hurdle hails Martin's tremendous defensive play

A relatively mundane, inconsequential and totally overlooked play by Russell Martin in the Pirates' Wednesday night victory was hailed by multiple team veterans as one of the best they had ever witnessed.

Hurdle gratified with Bucs' attitude, effort, direction

Prior to the start of Thursday's game against Milwaukee, manager Clint Hurdle talked glowingly of the team's 40-game performance.

Wandy outlasts Gallardo as Bucs top Brewers

Wandy Rodriguez stuck to Yovani Gallardo long enough for the Bucs to get enough of an upper hand for a 3-1 victory over Milwaukee at PNC Park.

McCutchen's slump-busting strategy: Just keep hitting

It is only the middle of May, but Andrew McCutchen has already weathered two long slumps this young season. In late April, he went through a career-long 1-for-28 drought, and he dealt more recently with a 2-for-19 drag.

Mercer's quick return comes vs. Gallardo

On Wednesday, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle sat Pedro Alvarez and Clint Barmes, who took a seat in favor of Jordy Mercer.

For now, Hurdle OK with lefty-heavy rotation

Francisco Liriano will start Thursday's finale of the four-game series against the Brewers, marking the second straight time the Bucs will have the three lefties -- including Jeff Locke and Wandy Rodriguez -- follow one another to the mound.

Bucs place McDonald on DL; Mercer recalled

The Pirates placed infielder John McDonald on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday due to a low back strain and recalled infielder Jordy Mercer from Triple-A Indianapolis to take his spot.

Umpire Culbreth hit by foul ball, forced to exit game

Umpire Fieldin Culbreth, working home plate in Tuesday night's game between the Pirates and the Brewers, was forced to leave in the 11th inning with an apparent injury to his left collarbone.

McCutchen hits walk-off homer as Bucs win in extras

Andrew McCutchen was a blur running around the bases after driving Mike Fiers' 2-2 pitch into PNC Park's right-field bleachers leading off the 12th inning on Tuesday to give the Pirates a 4-3 walk-off over the dreaded Milwaukee Brewers.

Martin thwarts Brewers' run game in return

Russell Martin started Tuesday night after dealing with soreness in his neck during the last week, and said before the game that he doesn't have any concerns in regards to the injury. He added that he feels confident getting back into the lineup, both offensively and defensively.

Tabata finding own identity away from Clemente

During Spring Training, Jose Tabata mentioned that his plan for re-launching his career included breaking away from his well-known dotage of Roberto Clemente. His adoration of the Pirates immortal remains but, "I have to be my own person. I wanted to get my own identity," he said.

Bucs now have their 'Immaculate Deflection'

It may quickly fade from memory if this season derails into another link in the Pirates' losing chain. However, if 2013 has a brighter destination, the Bucs will have their own divine play to add to Pittsburgh's rich sports history -- Sunday's Immaculate Deflection.

Morton building toward Altoona rehab start

Charlie Morton was scheduled to throw 35 pitches off a mound on Monday afternoon, using all four of his pitches, while right-hander Jeff Karstens was set to make a rehab start for Class A Bradenton on Monday.

Brewers continue to mystify Burnett, Bucs

Right-hander A.J. Burnett went seven innings, allowing three earned runs with six strikeouts, but the Pirates' offense managed only four hits in a 5-1 loss to the Brewers on Monday night at PNC Park.

Walker back with Bucs; Mercer sent down

Neil Walker has been reinstated from the 15-day disabled list by the Pirates, who made room for their regular second baseman by optioning Jordy Mercer back to Indianapolis.

With Martin mending, Bucs send down Sanchez

Russell Martin's neck stiffness, the malady that had prevented the catcher from participating in four of the Pirates' past five games, had subsided overnight to allow the club to send understudy catcher Tony Sanchez to its Triple-A Indianapolis affiliate.

Mercer could be pushed aside in Walker's return

Clint Hurdle indicated Neil Walker will play Monday night against the Brewers after his disabled list assignment ends, which brings into question what will happen to Jordy Mercer.

On Mother's Day, Bucs get pink pop from Barmes

Travis Snider, Garrett Jones, Starling Marte, Pedro Alvarez, John McDonald and Clint Barmes, all in the starting lineup, used pink bats Sunday, with Barmes hitting a home run.

Lucky bounce helps secure victory for Pirates

A lucky ricochet off the first-base bag in the eighth inning helped secure the Pirates' 3-2 win over Matt Harvey and the Mets on Sunday.

Dad's number retirement proud moment for Grilli

On Saturday morning, Jason Grilli attended a ceremony in Merrick, N.Y., where a scholastic baseball career was celebrated. Recognized at Calhoun High School was his father, Steve, a former big league pitcher.

Bats pour it on to back Liriano's Bucs debut

Francisco Liriano was quite the winning pitcher in the Bucs' 11-2 victory against the Mets on Saturday, when Jose Tabata finished a triple shy of the cycle and Jordy Mercer contributed two homers.

Bucs return let Bell spend quality time with his mom

Jay Bell's return to the Pirates meant more time to spend with his mother, Betty, during Spring Training. It was an opportunity he embraced and couldn't have enjoyed more.