PT TOMORROW: NL Central- Locke lands rotation spot

Pittsburgh Pirates

In a bit of a surprise, Jeff Locke (LHP, PIT) landed a rotation spot this spring, meaning Vance Worley (RHP, PIT) will open the season working out of the bullpen. Manager Clint Hurdle noted that it was a very difficult decision, but that the desire to have two left-handers in the rotation was a major factor. Locke, who surrendered 10 earned runs in 13.1 innings this spring, had a 3.87 ERA and 3.91 xERA in 21 starts for the Pirates in 2014. 

Locke does a nice job of keeping the ball on the ground, as he has a 51 percent career ground ball rate. He recorded a 6.1 Dom last year, but after posting a 1.4 Ctl and averaging nearly seven innings over his first 12 starts, he struggled with a 4.8 Ctl while averaging 5.6...

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