One regular has returned, but another is getting a day off Thursday for the Pirates.
Shortstop Jordy Mercer is back in the lineup against the Cubs after being sidelined since Monday with a rib injury. He hopes to bring a hotter bat - he is in a 1-for-15 slump
Meanwhile, starting catcher Francisco Cervelli is catching a break for a day game following a night game. Chris Stewart will squat behind the plate instead.