Pirates optioned LHP Jeff Locke to Triple-A Indianapolis. Locke gave up three runs over two innings in his lone appearance this spring. The 24-year-old southpaw made four starts down the stretch with the Pirates last September, but he's likely a year away from sticking.

Jeff Locke allowed five runs on five hits and two walks in five innings Wednesday, taking the loss in Pittsburgh's 7-3 setback against the Brewers. A 2006 second-round pick, Locke will finish his first major league cup of coffee the owner of a 6.48 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and 5/10 K/BB ratio compiled over 17 2/3 innings. Hardly inspiring, but Locke should get a chance to earn a spot in the Bucs rotation next spring.

Jeff Locke will start Wednesday's season finale against the Brewers. In his third career start, Locke allowed one run on six hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings on Friday, taking a no-decision in Pittsburgh's 4-3 win over the Reds. Locke is 0-2 with a 4.97 ERA and has a 2/8 K/BB ratio through 12 2/3 innings. He will be limited to 75-80 pitches Wednesday. Locke shouldn't be considered a fantasy option even though the Brewers figure to field their "B" lineup.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said he's undecided on who will start Wednesday's season finale against the Brewers. Jeff Locke is likely the favorite, though Brian Burres and Aaron Thompson are also under consideration. None should be considered fantasy options even though the Brewers figure to field their "B" lineup.

Jeff Locke allowed one run on six hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings on Friday, taking a no-decision in Pittsburgh's 4-3 win over the Reds. The Pirates played things safe with Locke in his third career start, allowing him to throw only 80 pitches. He struck out one and walked two, leaving him with a 2/8 K/BB ratio through 12 2/3 innings. He's unlikely to be worth a look in NL-only leagues in 2012.

Jeff Locke yielded three runs in three innings Friday in a loss to the Dodgers. It was the second big-league start for Locke, who allowed three runs over five innings against the Marlins last Saturday. He'll probably make one more start before year's end, but he doesn't figure to become a permanent member of the Pittsburgh rotation before mid-2012.

Jeff Locke will make his major league debut Saturday in a start against the Marlins. He's taking the spot of Charlie Morton, who the Pirates want to rest. Locke, who came over from the Braves in 2009 as part of the Nate McLouth deal, posted a 3.70 ERA and 139/55 K/BB ratio over 153 1/3 innings between Double- and Triple-A this season. He will likely compete for a rotation spot with the Bucs next spring.

Pirates recalled LHP Jeff Locke from Triple-A Indianapolis. The Bucs acquired Locke from the Braves back in 2009 in a package for outfielder Nate McLouth. A 23-year-old lefty, he posted a 2.22 ERA in 28 1/3 innings this year for Indianapolis and should see action out of the Pirates' bullpen down the stretch.