Jeff Locke expects to rejoin the Pirates' rotation next Tuesday. Locke will not make his scheduled start on Sunday after being sent to the minors Wednesday, but he indicated that the move was less of a demotion and more a means to get him some extra rest. "I don't think anything is going to change," he said. "This is just a way to give me a blow." The Pirates have yet to announce who will start on Sunday in Locke's place.

Pirates optioned LHP Jeff Locke to Double-A Altoona. Locke had an ERA of 2.15 just a month ago, but he's really struggled since then, putting up an 8.10 mark to go along with a 2.33 WHIP. He had been slated to start on Sunday against the Cardinals, but the Pirates will obviously have to call someone else up for that outing. Jeanmar Gomez and Brandon Cumpton are options.

Jeff Locke is still listed as the starting pitcher for Sunday against the Cardinals. Locke has an ugly 7.02 ERA and 31/23 K/BB ratio over his last six starts, but the Pirates aren't ready to make a change in the rotation yet. Still, he can't be trusted in fantasy leagues right now.

Jeff Locke got touched up for five runs on eight hits and two walks over just 4 2/3 frames in Tuesday's loss to the Brewers. Locke gave up a few infield hits early, but the Brewers made harder contact as the game went on and the lefty continued to struggle with his control. Over his last six starts, Locke holds an unsightly 8.10 ERA and 2.33 WHIP. His rotation spot might not be in jeopardy yet, but he can no longer be trusted in fantasy leagues. Locke gets the Cardinals at home next week.

Jeff Locke struggled yet again Thursday, giving up three runs on five hits and four walks over four innings against the Giants. With his poor command, Locke was fortunate to leave the game without more runs crossing the plate. The rookie southpaw has a rough 5.58 ERA and 33/25 K/BB ratio in 34 2/3 innings over seven starts since the All-Star break while his season ERA is up to 3.01. It's apparent that he has hit a wall, so he shouldn't be trusted in most fantasy leagues right now.

Jeff Locke will make his next start as scheduled, Pirates GM Neil Huntington said. That start is Thursday in San Francisco. Locke was shelled for eight runs in 2 2/3 innings Saturday against the Diamondbacks and now owns an ugly 4.78 ERA in the second half. Locke, who posted a 2.06 ERA in the first half, is no longer trustworthy in standard mixed leagues.

Jeff Locke was shelled for eight runs in 2 2/3 innings Saturday as the Pirates fell to the Diamondbacks. It was by far his worst start of the season. Locke now has a 4.78 ERA in the second half (compared to his 2.06 ERA from the first half) and should no longer be trusted in standard mixed fantasy leagues.

Jeff Locke lasted just 5 2/3 innings in Sunday's loss to the Rockies. He gave up one run on three hits and had four walks in the no-decision. Locke has struggled since the All-Star break, allowing 30 hits over his last 22 innings. His next start is Saturday against the Diamondbacks.

Jeff Locke allowed three runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Marlins on Tuesday. Give Locke credit for keeping his team in the game, but it was a second straight ineffective start for the 25-year-old. Locke gave up nine hits and three walks in his 5 2/3 innings, striking out just four. Despite the less-than-stellar starts, Locke is still 9-3 with a 2.47 ERA this year. He'll try to get back in the win column in Colorado on Sunday.

Jeff Locke was chased after four innings Wednesday, allowing four runs on a career-high 10 hits and a walk but escaping with a no-decision in a 5-4 win over the Cardinals. Locke recorded six strikeouts, but the Cardinals singled him to death with nine one-baggers to go along with a Carlos Beltran double. It's arguably the left-hander's worst start of the season and the first time since April 18 that he allowed four earned runs, but the Bucs managed to eke out another win and will go for a rare five-game sweep Thursday. He'll try to rebound next week in a juicy matchup at home versus the Marlins.