Locke was recalled Monday and will start for the Pirates against the Cardinals. Locke was optioned to give the Pirates an extra bat off the bench while he awaited his next turn in the rotation, which comes Tuesday. He will face a hot Cardinals team in a battle to keep the Pirates in the playoff hunt.

Locke was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. This is nothing more than a paper move, as Locke is expected to return to make his next scheduled start Tuesday in St. Louis. Locke has given up 10 homers in 49 innings since the All-Star break, but he held the Cardinals to one run on six hits over 7.1 innings his last time out. Infielder Brent Morel was recalled in the corresponding move.

Locke picked up his sixth win of the season over St. Louis Wednesday, giving up just a run on six hits and two walks while striking out three in 7.1 innings of work. Locke is pitching surprisingly well again this season, posting a 3.51 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP since getting into the rotation in June.

Despite walking six batters, Locke (5-3) held Milwaukee to two runs in six innings Friday. He gave up two hits (including a homer) while failing to record a strikeout. The lefty threw more balls (57) than strikes (44), struggling with his fastball command. Locke benefited by a questionable sixth-inning call at third base but walked away with his third victory in his last four starts.

Locke struck out six and walked two while giving up four hits over 5.2 shutout innings Saturday night against Washington. A rare let down from the Pittsburgh bullpen -- specifically, Tony Watson -- prevented Locke from getting into the win column. With Gerrit Cole nearing a return, the Pirates have a decision to make in the back of their rotation between Locke and Edinson Volquez.

Locke won Monday against the Tigers as he pitched five innings and allowed four runs, eight hits and four walks to go along with one strikeout. It certainly wasn't an impressive start from Locke Monday, but he stayed in the game long enough and received plenty of run support to come away with the victory. He pitched very well in June and the first half of July, but he is struggling now as he has allowed at least four runs in three of his last four starts.

Locke (3-3) allowed three runs on six hits while striking out seven over seven innings to pick up the victory over the Marlins on Wednesday. Things started off rocky, with Locke surrendering three runs over his first two innings of work, but the left-hander would settle in and retire 16 of the final 17 batters � including the final 13 he faced � to pick up the win, his first since July 6. He'll face the Tigers next week in his home park.

Jeff Locke was lit up for six earned runs in 6 2/3 innings Saturday in a loss to the Rockies. Those results probably could have been anticipated. Locke has pitched well this season, but he was due for some serious regression and Coors Field saw that it happened on Saturday night. Locke walked three and gave up a whopping 10 hits. He still has a strong 3.54 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, but the left-hander is unlikely to provide great fantasy value down the stretch.

Jeff Locke had another fine start Friday, allowing three runs (two earned) over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Reds. Locke held the Reds to just one run over his first six innings of work before unraveling a bit in his final inning of work, but he still managed his seventh straight quality start. He struck out five and walked none in the no-decision and now owns a 2.89 ERA and 35/6 K/BB ratio in 56 innings over eight starts this year. He continues to gain momentum in mixed leagues.

Jeff Locke allowed two runs -- one earned -- over eight innings in the Pirates' 6-2 win over the Phillies on Sunday. Locke gave up just three hits, two to Marlon Byrd, on the afternoon. The southpaw walked one while striking out four. He's been terrific since being recalled on June 8, turning in six consecutive quality starts with a 25/6 K/BB ratio. Locke has a 3.08 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in seven starts overall, and he'll take on the Reds Friday in Cincinnati.