First number, last word

49: Consecutive starts at shortstop by Mercer until he was forced by a tight right forearm to sit out Friday night's game. It was the Bucs' most durable streak at the position since 2005, when Jack Wilson started 96 straight games at short.

"I think he'll do a very good job. There's not a ton going on now -- replay is probably the biggest issue to deal with. I do know him, from having been in meetings. I don't foresee any negative in his election." -- Neil Walker, the Pirates' team player rep, on the election of Rob Manfred as Bud Selig's successor as MLB Commissioner.