Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates pitcher Jeff Locke knows the advanced stats say he'll regress, but he contends he's a different pitcher this season, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Locke has a 2.73 ERA in nine starts, but his 4.47 FIP indicates that he's been pitching over his head. Locke said the stat hasn't picked up on the fact that he's throwing a two-seam fastball or the adjustment he made with his delivery. Locke believes he's getting more deception after learning from Erik Bedard. 

Nothing in Locke's profile suggests his performance is sustainable. Neither his walk and strikeout rate is elite, and his .224 BABIP will not last. Locke has been extremely homer-prone over his career, but getting that rate down could help his overall numbers. Still, the advanced stats are concerning, despite Locke's insistence. 

Pirates pitcher Francisco Liriano is showing improved numbers in his small two-game sample. His first-strike percentage is at it's highest rate since 2010. He's also induced swinging strikes 14.9 percent of the time, his highest rate since 2006. He's been an extreme-fly ball pitcher in his two starts, with just 28.6 percent of balls in play being grounders.

As Fantasy owners know, Liriano has shown flashes like this before, so he's not completely safe after just two starts. Based on what he's shown, he's worth a speculative pickup. But owners should be cautious with his usage. Liriano will pitch against the Cubs Wednesday.

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen told The Pittsburgh Tribune that he injured his knee sliding into home a few days ago.

McCutchen, who missed Sunday's game against the Astros, has no structural damage on his knee. He is hitting .281 with six homers and is listed as day-to-day.

"I just felt a little uncomfortable, and wanted to make sure everything was OK," McCutchen told MLB.com.

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.