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Lambo rebounding from tough spring in Minors

PITTSBURGH -- The hottest left-handed hitter in Triple-A Indianapolis the past two weeks? The outfielder who has raked .410 with two homers and 12 RBIs in his past 10 games?

Say "hello again" to Andrew Lambo.

Maybe not who you expected? Oh, top prospect Gregory Polanco is still at it, batting .385 with his own two home runs and nine RBIs in his past 10 games.

However, if in need of some lefty power, clearly Lambo, with significant Major League experience late last season, would get a call prior to Polanco. After a rough start to his season, most likely from a funk upon being optioned at the end of a frustrating Spring Training, Lambo has picked it up impressively.

He may have also gotten a lift from the Bucs' scratching the first-base experiment -- once Ike Davis was acquired via trade -- and returning him to regular outfield play.

"These last two weeks have been his best," said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, who regularly consults with Indianapolis manager Dean Treanor. "He's gotten some momentum. The bat has come more into play; he's becoming more offensive while continuing to work on his overall game."

As for Lambo's assignment to get over his 4-for-42 time in the Major League camp, Hurdle referred to it as a "challenge."

"Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them makes life meaningful," Hurdle said.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.
Read More: Pittsburgh Pirates, Andrew Lambo