The Pittsburgh Pirates will call up left-hander Jeff Locke, Pirates Prospects has learned. Locke was scheduled to make his start today for the Indianapolis Indians. Rick VandenHurk will now be making that start with Locke getting the call.
It’s unknown right now what Locke’s role will be, but the timing is interesting. I’m assuming he will be getting the call today, since he won’t be starting for Indianapolis. Kevin Correia, who has been struggling, is the scheduled starter for the Pirates today. It would make sense for Locke to come up and replace Correia, but I can’t say that this will be his role.
In his time in the minors this year, Locke has a 3.02 ERA in 47.2 innings, with a 6.8 K/9 and a 1.9 BB/9 ratio.
UPDATE: The Pirates have officially announced the move. Jason Grilli will go on the Bereavement list.