Worth noting

• Catcher Russell Martin remained out of the lineup as he continued to receive treatment for the stiff neck that had sidelined him Tuesday night. Martin reported that his neck "just locked up on him" as he was going through workouts early Tuesday afternoon.

• Charlie Morton (shoulder tightness) is expected to throw a bullpen session either Thursday or Friday in New York.

• Jeff Karstens (shoulder inflammation) was scheduled to throw two innings on Wednesday in extended spring camp.

• Lefties Jeff Locke and Wandy Rodriguez will have a chance to literally strike a blow for fans savings in the first two games of the upcoming series with the Mets in New York. For every Pirates strikeout in those two games -- by the whole staff, not just the starters -- a dollar will be discounted off the price of lower-outfield and outfield box seats for May 13-17 PNC Park games against Milwaukee and Houston.

That tote board will be cumulative. So if the Bucs keep up with their per-game average of eight strikeouts to total 16 in those two, $32 lower-outfield boxes would go for $16 and $28 outfield boxes for $12 for the five home games in question.

• The Pirates on Wednesday unconditionally released left-hander Jonathan Sanchez, who had been designated for assignment on April 28.