Worth noting

• Jeff Karstens and James McDonald, two longtime members of the rotation who have been relocated to the bullpen, were both available on Wednesday night behind rookie Kyle McPherson. A relief appearance would be McDonald's first since his farewell outing for the Dodgers on July 29, 2010; he made 71 consecutive starts with the Pirates. Karstens (strained right hip flexor) hasn't been in a game since Aug. 31.

• Fully recovered from a strained right hamstring, Travis Snider started on Wednesday for only the second time since Sept. 4.

• With the intent of pitching inside more, Pirates hurlers hit a season-high three batters on Tuesday.

• After turning 154 double plays last season, the Bucs made 117 through 147 games, a direct reflection of opponents' 137 stolen bases, which have cut down double-play opportunities.