Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Sunday he's still mulling his starting-pitcher options for Wednesday's game at Milwaukee, which is Jonathan Sanchez's turn in the rotation. Sanchez is appealing a six-game suspension for hitting the Cardinals' Allen Craig with a pitch Friday, but he might be skipped regardless because of his poor performance (0-3, 12.71 ERA), according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Hurdle said Francisco Liriano, who is rehabbing an arm injury in the minors, is not an option to start Wednesday. Hurdle said no final decision has been made, but Jeanmar Gomez might be an option to make a spot start.
Gomez, who is 14-16 with a 5.32 ERA in 38 career starts, has been strong out of the Pirates' bullpen this season. He is 1-0 with a 2.63 ERA in 13 2/3 innings.