.....in this article in the Trib, in cased anyone missed it:

Pirates activate Ohlendorf, send him to Indy - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

I'm wondering who's going to provide the most help for the remainder of the season. Choices are Ohlendorf, Tabata, D'Arnaud, Presley, Alvarez, Lee, and Crotta.

We obviously can drop Crotta from consideration, since he was re-signed to a minor league contract after being dropped from the 40-man roster. And I don't think D'Arnaud is ready to play at the major league level..... so I don't expect much help from him either. Both could be added after rosters expand, but neither is likely to help much.

Even though Ohlendorf has been optioned to Indy, it's possible that he could have an impact during the last month to 6 weeks, either out of the bullpen or as a starter.

Seems that Alvarez COULD have the most impact IF he finds himself. And Lee could provide a boost if his hand gets well and he hits.

Perhaps most interesting will be Tabata and Presley, if only to see who will be dropped from the 25-man roster when they return. My bet is on Paul and Pearce. Either or both (Tabata and Presley) would be a welcome sight at the top of the lineup and could have a positive impact. If both come back soon, it will provide some interesting playing-time decisions for Hurdle on Ludwick, Diaz, Tabata, Presley, Jones, and Lee.... 6 guys for 3 spots (LF, RF, first base).

At any rate, it appears that there COULD be help on the way, at least for the offense. On the other hand, it could take a while for either Presley or Tabata to get back in a groove..... and the same could be said for Alvarez and Lee.

One thing seems certain: Without help from one or more of these guys (and without a bounce-back from the pitching staff), the Pirates seem to have little hope of breaking the losing streak. So..... who's gonna step up?