The Pirates might make Jeff Locke their fifth starter, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Dejan Kovacevic.
With the recent release of pitcher Erik Bedard, the Pirates are in need of a fifth starter. While many assumed it would be Kevin Correia, Kovacevic believes the team may turn to Locke.
The 24-year-old Locke has been strong in Triple-A this season, with a 2.48 ERA and a 3.24 FIP in 141.2 innings.
The Pirates recently promoted top prospect Gerrit Cole to Triple-A, and he could take Locke’s spot in the rotation. It doesn’t look like Cole will be promoted to the majors this season.
Locke has already seen time with the Pirates this season. In two appearances, Locke managed to throw 4 1/3 scoreless innings. Entering this season, Locke was ranked as the Pirates number 10 prospect, according to Baseball America.
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