Worth noting

• Well on his way to a faster recovery than expected, Starling Marte took one-handed swings Wednesday (with his good hand, the left one) and will try it two-handed, starting with air swings, this weekend. If the progress continues, the Bucs hope to get him out on a rehab assignment at the end of next week.

The regular Minor League season ends Monday, but four Pittsburgh affiliates will be in the playoffs as possible landing spots for rehab purposes.

• Buck was a little sheepish about taking the No. 14 off Gaby Sanchez's back when he reported to the Pirates on Wednesday.

"I didn't want to mess up any of the mojo Gaby had," said Buck about the number he has worn since 2006, while it had been relatively new to Sanchez.

What karma? Sanchez had been in a 6-for-28 dip. In his first game in his new No. 17, he produced a three-hit game, his first in a month and only his third of the season.