May 24
3B Pedro Alvarez is expected to remain in the cleanup spot despite batting .127 since being moved there early May in by manager Clint Hurdle. The move was described at the time as one the Pirates hoped to stick by until Alvarez was comfortable. He had been 12-for-26 in his final seven games lower in the order.
May 23
Alvarez is not in the lineup against lefty Jon Niese on Wednesday, the Pirates' official Twitter feed reports.
Recommendation: Yamaico Navarro is starting at third base while Alvarez gets a day off. He should be available to pinch-hit in the late innings if needed.
