Pitch count will dictate relievers workload in twin bill

PITTSBURGH -- Pirates manager Clint Hurdle isn't opposed to using the same reliever in both games of Tuesday's doubleheader if their pitch count stays low enough.

The Cardinals and Pirates will play a traditional doubleheader starting at 4:05 p.m. ET, with the second contest beginning 25 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1. Hurdle said if a reliever throws more than 20 pitches in the first game, he won't use that player again.

"Fifteen to 20 is a gray area," Hurdle said. "Twenty, we're done."

Hurdle said Kent Tekulve, a Pirates reliever from 1974-85 and current broadcaster, advised the pitchers not to ice their arms after Game 1. The traditional doubleheader allows them to do that as opposed to waiting several hours between games.

"Ice starts the healing process," Hurdle said. "That's why you just have them pitch, keep them hot and keep them going."

Hurdle also said righty Vic Black, who allowed a run and three hits on 29 pitches Monday night and is the organization's No. 17 prospect, would be available Tuesday. The 25-year-old has made two appearances since being called up on July 23.

"Just because he's a big, strong young man and he's done it before," Hurdle said. "We'll see how this plays out. These are always interesting."