and [catcher Michael] McKenry is going to be back," Hurdle said in his final pregame media session of the season.

Gamethread 14 September -- Hey all, I'm having trouble getting the gamethread to post to the front page. So please use this thread. James McDonald vs. Chris Rusin, 2:20.

cliff jordan (chicago, il): It's been fun to see Brock Holt shoot up the ladder and then get 4 hits last night in a Bucco win. Since he's blocked at 2nd base, 3rd base, and the outfield (hard to believe I'm saying this about the Pirates!), does he have a chance to play major league average shortstop? Thanks.

Jim Callis: Maybe, though he's probably best suited to be a utilityman.

The Pirates season-series win over the Cardinals would give them home field in a one-gm playoff should they end up tied for a wild card spot

#Pirates promote top prospect RH Gerrit Cole from @AltoonaCurve to AAA @IndyIndians.

ESPN has...made a commitment to showcase each of the 30 MLB clubs at least once per season in a live game telecast.

We want to make decisions based on who can help us win," he said. ... Tony [Sanchez] had a very good developmental year, but I would not expect Tony to be [called up and placed on the 40-man roster].

@Pirates: RHP Juan Cruz cleared outright waivers, refused his assignment to Triple-A and has been released by the organization.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle adds another consideration when deciding upon September call-ups: cost. In Biertempfel's piece, Hurdle pointed out, "In my rookie year, if you got a call-up, you made $5,000 or $6,000 (in September). Now you’re talking about making $75,000. So if you call up 10 guys, you’re picking up $750,000 in salary and everything that goes with it."

Brad Lincoln for Travis Snider