Jeff

Locke

Jeff Locke is likely the favorite, though Brian Burres and Aaron Thompson are also under consideration. None should be considered fantasy options even though the Brewers figure to field their “B” lineup.

The Pirates played things safe with Locke in his third career start, allowing him to throw only 80 pitches. He struck out one and walked two, leaving him with a 2/8 K/BB ratio through 12 2/3 innings. He’s unlikely to be worth a look in NL-only leagues in 2012.

Locke gave up three runs over two innings in his lone appearance this spring. The 24-year-old southpaw made four starts down the stretch with the Pirates last September, but he’s likely a year away from sticking.

He’ll provide an extra bullpen arm for a few days while Jason Grilli is on the bereavement list. Locke boasts a 3.02 ERA and 36/10 K/BB ratio over 47 2/3 innings at Indy this season.

Locke has a solid 2.66 ERA and 113/38 K/BB ratio over 21 starts at the Triple-A level this year. However, the 24-year-old southpaw will likely be used as a long reliever in the big leagues.

Locke, not Kyle McPherson, will take Erik Bedard’s spot in the starting rotation. A.J. Burnett was previously expected to start, but he’ll presumably be pushed back to Sunday. Locke made two appearances with the Pirates earlier this month and owns a 2.48 ERA and 131/43 K/BB ratio over 141 2/3 innings this season at the Triple-A level.

Locke struck out six and walked just one, but he allowed seven hits, including Brett Wallace’s three-run homer. It’s a pretty disappointing result given the matchup, but he’ll likely have at least a couple of more chances to make an impression this month.

Locke was with the team for a couple days while Jason Grilli was on the bereavement list, but didn’t appear in a game. He’ll return to a 3.02 ERA and 36/10 K/BB ratio over 47 2/3 innings with Indy.

He was sent down as Yamaico Navarro and Jared Hughes were added to the roster. Locke has tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings with the Pirates this season and will return to a 2.66 ERA over 21 starts at the Triple-A level. The 25-year-old southpaw figures to rejoin the Pirates when rosters expand in September.

Initially there was speculation that he would start on Saturday, with A.J. Burnett getting pushed back until Sunday. However, with Jeff Karstens set to miss at least one start, the Pirates were forced to rearrange. The owner of a 2.48 ERA and 131/43 K/BB ratio over 141 2/3 Triple-A innings, Locke could be worth a gamble as a matchup play in deeper fantasy formats.