The Pirates named Locke to their starting rotation Monday. He will pitch in the fourth game of the season in Cincinnati on April 10, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Vance Worley was thought to be the frontrunner for the spot, but the team decided to with three righthanders and two southpaws. "At the end of the day, we wanted to get (into) the season with the two left-handers in the rotation and Vance helping us out of the bullpen," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I would never say it's just because Locke is left-handed, but that's a dynamic that can help you. We just felt this is the way we wanted to start the season." Locke struggled during spring training, compiled a 6.59 ERA while giving up 19 hits and five walks in 13.2 IP.

Locke allowed two earned runs in 5.2 innings Friday, giving up eight hits and three walks while striking out two, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "The thing I was happy about today was that we got into the sixth inning, got the pitch count up, stayed healthy," Locke said. "I like where I'm at right now. I'm right where I need to be." The Bucs will likely decide whether Locke or Worley start the season as Pittsburgh's No. 5 starter. It's also possible that both pitchers make the rotation with the team placing Charlie Morton on the disabled list as he recovers from hip surgery.

Locke will be on the Opening Day roster, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Although the Pirates have yet to name a winner, Locke seems to be behind Vance Worley in the competition for the final rotation spot. General manager Neal Huntington said Friday that the loser of the competition will open his season in the big-league bullpen. Such a role would leave Locke/Worley just one injury away from joining the rotation, and it's also worth noting that Charlie Morton is having a terrible spring in the wake of September hip surgery. Manager Clint Hurdle recently suggested that the team may consider keeping Morton at extended spring training for a bit.

Locke allowed six runs in three innings Tuesday and likely lost ground in his competition with Vance Worley for the team's fifth starter spot, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The lefty sounded a bit tired of the speculation. "Everything has been so hush-hush and kept under a hat," Locke said. "I think the best you can do is try to keep everything the same. Try to be the best Jeff you can be every time you go out." Manager Clint Hurdle believes there is "no need" to name a fifth starter at this point during camp.

Locke will take the mound Tuesday in his bid to win the team's fifth starter race. While he might be a tad behind Vance Worley in the pecking order, Locke is expected to make the final roster. Given the likelihood of pitching injuries, Locke will enter the rotation -- just not at season's start.

Locke will start Monday for the Pirates if a tiebreaker game is necessary, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports. Locke last took the hill for the Pirates on Wednesday, which would put him on a normal schedule if he is needed for a Monday start. The Pirates enter Sunday's action one game behind the Cardinals in the NL Central race, and if the teams are tied after the day is over, they'll play a game to decide the division Monday. although Locke surrendered six runs in his last start, manager Clint Hurdle is confident in his lefty in the high-pressure situation. Edinson Volquez would be the Wednesday starter for the Pirates if they end up playing in the Wild Card game.

Locke was tagged for six runs on eight hits over four innings in a losing effort Wednesday against Atlanta. The outing pushed Locke's season ERA to 3.91, while also nudging the Pirates further away from overtaking the Cardinals atop the NL Central. The timing of Locke's next start will hinge entirely on the events through the end of the regular season Sunday, as the Bucs will seek the optimal configuration for their rotation to begin the postseason.

Locke worked seven strong innings against the Brewers on Friday night, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out three. Locke continues to turn in solid work down the stretch. Even including a poor performance at St. Louis back on September 2, the Pirates' lefty has posted an impressive 2.83 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 41.1 innings during his last seven starts. Locke is slated to be back atop the mound Wednesday in Atlanta.

Locke was strong in a win Monday night, going seven innings of one-run ball against the Phillies. It was a nice bounce-back effort for Locke after he struggled mightily in his previous start. The lefty starter has allowed two or fewer runs in four of his last five starts and will take the mound next this weekend against the Cubs.

Locke lasted just three innings Tuesday against the Cardinals, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits and five walks while striking out three in the loss. Fresh off being recalled Monday, Locke put up a stinker. He had been a groove prior, giving up just three runs in his last three starts (spanning 19 innings). With Tuesday's start Locke saw his ERA rise to 3.75. His next start is scheduled for Monday on the road against the Phillies.