Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez hit his eighth home run, the decider in a 1-0 win Sunday over Houston.

Alvarez continues to struggle with his average (.201) and making contact (31.5 percent strikeout rate), but his power continues to show up. He's on pace for another 30 home run season with Sunday's blast.

Pirates closer Jason Grilli recorded his 17th save with a clean inning Sunday against Houston.

Grilli appears poised to cruise into the All-Star game. He recorded his 31st strikeout in 19 2/3 innings Sunday and he owns an absurd 0.92 ERA with just nine hits and four walks allowed.

Pirates starter Jeff Locked threw seven scoreless innings Sunday in a win over Houston.

Locke remains scorching to open the season. He struck out four against just two walks and three hits. His ERA fell to a sterling 2.73.

Pirates starter James McDonald is slated to begin a rehab assignment May 27 at Double-A Altoona, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

McDonald hasn't pitched since April 30 against Milwaukee due to a shoulder injury. McDonald has bullpen sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Friday leading into the rehab assignment. Expect him to take at least two rehab starts in the minors.

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen has been scratched from Sunday's lineup with knee pain, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The cause and extent of the injury are both unclear. McCutchen played the entirety of Pittsburgh's 11-inning loss to Houston on Saturday and has played in 42 of 43 games this season.