Hudson stifles Bucs, earns doubleheader split for Braves
Tim Hudson limited Pittsburgh to two hits and an unearned run over seven innings and the Braves halted their seven-game road losing streak and the Pirates' six-game winning streak with an 8-1 victory in the second game of a doubleheader Monday.

Pirates report: Notes, quotes
--RHP John Van Benschoten was optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis after starting and losing the second game of the doubleheader

Pirates report: Inside pitch
Nearly all of the preseason preview magazines picked the Pirates to finish last in the National League Central. The ones that didn't predicted a fifth-place finish.

Pirates report: Roster

Week 6 Pitching Planner
Week 6 is one of the NL rookie starting pitchers who are Rookie of the Year candidates. Jair Jurrjens, Johnny Cueto and Max Scherzer, who will make the first start of his career Monday, are among the two-start pitchers this week. Our Eric Mack goes around baseball's pitching staffs and Fantasy's two-start pitcher options every Sunday of the season in his weekly Pitching Planner.

Pirates demote right-hander Van Benschoten
Right-hander John Van Benschoten was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis following his latest failed trial with the Pirates, losing twice in four appearances while giving up eight earned runs in 7 2/3 innings.