Pirates starter Charlie Morton pitched 7.2 innings in a rehab start in Class AAA Indianapolis Monday night, striking out eight batters and walking one while allowing one run against the Columbus Clippers.
↵That's a good sign for Pirates fans, who can use more of the strong starting pitching that has helped propel them to a 2-1 record very early in the season.
↵Morton is likely to return very soon. The Pirates currently have four starters on their 25-man roster because they haven't needed a fifth, due to early off days, but that's about to change. The Bucs will probably promote Morton in time for Saturday's game against the San Francisco Giants, likely sending down a bench player like Matt Hague or Josh Harrison in the process.
↵The Pirates have gotten very good starts so far from Erik Bedard and Jeff Karstens, although James McDonald's 2012 debut wasn't quite as strong. Kevin Correia pitches against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers Tuesday night.
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