Jeff Locke's struggles with command persisted in Friday's loss to the Marlins, where he issued six walks in his 6 1/3 innings of work. Locke also allowed eight hits, but was able to pitch out of trouble for the most part, surrendering just two runs on the evening while striking out a career-high nine. The only real damage against him came on an infield single by Placido Polanco in the sixth inning, and a solo homer from Giancarlo Stanton in the seventh. Locke, who continues to defy logic and advanced metrics, will carry a 2.15 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 88/57 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Cardinals at home on Wednesday.

Jeff Locke twirled six innings of one-run ball, allowing just one hit, in a victory Sunday against the Reds. He struck out six and walked four. Locke (9-2, 2.11 ERA) was unable to pitch in the All-Star game due to lower back soreness but was handed the ball Sunday after a clean bullpen session on Friday. He didn't disappoint, allowing a leadoff single to Shin-Shoo Choo (who was immediately caught stealing) and not a hit more. Locke allowed four runs in two of his first three starts this season and hasn't given up more than three earned runs in a start since.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Jeff Locke (back) will not be under any restrictions Sunday against the Reds. Locke was unable to pitch in the All-Star game due to lower back soreness, but he threw, according to Hurdle, threw a "clean and efficient" bullpen session Friday. "I don't think we'll have him under a microscope," Hurdle said.

Jeff Locke (back) is expected to start Sunday against the Reds. Locke was unable to pitch in the All-Star game due to lower back soreness, but is on track to return after throwing a bullpen session on Friday. He enters the second half with a 2.15 ERA and hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since mid-April.

Jeff Locke will not pitch Sunday due to a sore back. Locke also won't pitch in the All-Star game. He hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since mid-April and heads into the break 8-2 with a 2.15 ERA. Rookie Gerrit Cole will start Sunday for the Pirates.

Jeff Locke took his first loss in three months after giving up two runs and three hits in seven innings Monday against the A's. The Pirates lost 2-1 tonight despite outhitting the A's 9-3. Locke's only other loss came in his season debut April 7 against the Dodgers. He still hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since mid-April.

Jeff Locke will not pitch in the All-Star Game. Locke will start Monday against the A's and again on Sunday against the Mets, so he won't be available for the All-Star Game two days later. "We weren't asked to make any adjustment there," said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle.

Jeff Locke picked up win No. 8 Wednesday, holding the Phillies to three runs -- two earned -- over 5 2/3 innings in a 6-5 victory. Locke struck out two while allowing seven hits and three walks. He departed in the sixth having only surrendered one run, but Justin Wilson allowed an RBI single and Jordy Mercer let another run come in on an error. While certainly not his best effort, Locke is now 8-1 while sporting a 2.12 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. He'll get the A's at home next.

Jeff Locke will start on Wednesday against the Phillies. Locke was pushed back from Tuesday's scheduled start after having to warm up in the bullpen during Sunday's extra-innings win. Gerrit Cole will get the ball Thursday, while Jeanmar Gomez will move to the bullpen for now.

Jeff Locke will not start Tuesday against the Phillies. Locke had been listed as the scheduled starter for Tuesday, but he'll be pushed back since he had to warm up in the bullpen during Sunday's extra-inning win. Brandon Cumpton is making the start in his place.