"Left-hander Zach Duke (elbow strain) threw soft-toss Sunday (25 tosses) and Monday (40 tosses). "Felt good," Duke said. "I'm right on track." Duke is scheduled to throw a side session off the mound Friday. If the Pirates want Duke to throw two sides before beginning a rehab assignment, he'll likely miss at least two more starts.

» With Duke on the disabled list, Daniel McCutchen remains in line to make another spot start Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies. "As of now, yeah," manager John Russell said.

» Neil Walker (concussion) was sent back to Pittsburgh to be examined by team doctors. According to GM Neal Huntington, results of Walker's MRI were negative, but he continues to have concussion symptoms. Walker will see a specialist today in Pittsburgh."