Locke struck out six and walked two while giving up four hits over 5.2 shutout innings Saturday night against Washington.

A rare let down from the Pittsburgh bullpen -- specifically, Tony Watson -- prevented Locke from getting into the win column. With Gerrit Cole nearing a return, the Pirates have a decision to make in the back of their rotation between Locke and Edinson Volquez.

Locke won Monday against the Tigers as he pitched five innings and allowed four runs, eight hits and four walks to go along with one strikeout.

It certainly wasn't an impressive start from Locke Monday, but he stayed in the game long enough and received plenty of run support to come away with the victory. He pitched very well in June and the first half of July, but he is struggling now as he has allowed at least four runs in three of his last four starts.

Locke (3-3) allowed three runs on six hits while striking out seven over seven innings to pick up the victory over the Marlins on Wednesday.

Things started off rocky, with Locke surrendering three runs over his first two innings of work, but the left-hander would settle in and retire 16 of the final 17 batters � including the final 13 he faced � to pick up the win, his first since July 6. He'll face the Tigers next week in his home park.

Jeff Locke was lit up for six earned runs in 6 2/3 innings Saturday in a loss to the Rockies.

Those results probably could have been anticipated. Locke has pitched well this season, but he was due for some serious regression and Coors Field saw that it happened on Saturday night. Locke walked three and gave up a whopping 10 hits. He still has a strong 3.54 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, but the left-hander is unlikely to provide great fantasy value down the stretch.

Jeff Locke had another fine start Friday, allowing three runs (two earned) over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Reds.

Locke held the Reds to just one run over his first six innings of work before unraveling a bit in his final inning of work, but he still managed his seventh straight quality start. He struck out five and walked none in the no-decision and now owns a 2.89 ERA and 35/6 K/BB ratio in 56 innings over eight starts this year. He continues to gain momentum in mixed leagues.

Jeff Locke allowed two runs -- one earned -- over eight innings in the Pirates' 6-2 win over the Phillies on Sunday.

Locke gave up just three hits, two to Marlon Byrd, on the afternoon. The southpaw walked one while striking out four. He's been terrific since being recalled on June 8, turning in six consecutive quality starts with a 25/6 K/BB ratio. Locke has a 3.08 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in seven starts overall, and he'll take on the Reds Friday in Cincinnati.

Jeff Locke allowed two runs on eight hits over eight innings but settled for a no-decision against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Locke gave up eight singles and walked one, striking out three in the outing. The only damage against him came in the fifth inning, when the Diamondbacks were able to string together three consecutive hits for both runs. Despite not earning the win, Locke has been terrific this year -- after Tuesday's effort, the left-hander has a 3.46 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and a 26/5 K/BB ratio over 41 2/3 innings. He's not in must-own territory, but the 26-year-old has become a mixed league option with his pitching of late. Locke will toe the slab again Sunday against the Phillies.

Jeff Locke yielded two runs in six innings in a no-decision against the Reds on Thursday.

Both runs scored on sacrifice flies. Locke held the Reds to just three hits and a walk and struck out a pair. The 26-year-old southpaw has pitched well since joining the rotation earlier this month, allowing two earned runs or less in all three of his starts while posting a 14/2 K/BB ratio over 21 innings. He makes for a solid streaming option next week against the light-hitting Rays.

Jeff Locke held the Marlins to two runs over eight innings Friday, but was handed a no-decision.

It was the longest start of his major league career, but the bullpen his chance at a victory in the ninth inning. Locke gave up seven hits (including a solo homer to Giancarlo Stanton) and no walks while notching seven strikeouts. He has allowed just three runs with a 12/1 K/BB ratio in 15 innings over two starts since coming up from the minors. We wouldn't trust Locke in mixed leagues quite yet, but he's gaining momentum once again.

Jeff Locke allowed one run on three hits over seven innings but took a tough-luck loss against the Brewers on Sunday.

Locke and Yovani Gallardo squared off in a pitchers' duel, and an Aramis Ramirez RBI groundout in Locke's final inning of work proved to be the difference. The start was still much better than Locke's first go-round with the club, when he allowed six runs in a spot start. With Gerrit Cole on the disabled list, Locke will surely get another look. That start will most likely be Friday at the Marlins.

Pirates recalled LHP Jeff Locke from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Locke will start on Sunday against the Brewers in place of the injured Gerrit Cole (shoulder), and it's possible he'll remain in the rotation for a while if Cole has to miss significant time. The left-hander allowed six runs over 5 1/3 innings in a spot start earlier this season. He holds a 4.02 ERA with 47 strikeouts across 56 frames for Indianapolis this year.

The Pirates will recall Jeff Locke to start against the Brewers on Sunday.

With Gerrit Cole dealing with shoulder fatigue, Locke will get a look. The southpaw was hit hard in a spot start on May 6, allowing six runs in 5 1/3 innings.

Pirates optioned LHP Jeff Locke to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Locke was hit hard in a spot-start Monday against the Giants, allowing six runs in 5 1/3 innings. He should be back in the big leagues again before long.

Jeff Locke is expected to be optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Locke gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings Monday in a spot-start against the Giants. The Pirates are expected to add a reliever to take his spot on the roster.

Jeff Locke, called up before the game, gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings Monday against the Giants.

Locke might head right back to Triple-A after this one. He could have some NL-only value later on, but it's not meant to be right now.

Pirates recalled LHP Jeff Locke from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Locke will make his first major league start of 2014 on Monday night against the Giants. He does not have good numbers this year at Triple-A and is only getting the nod because Wandy Rodriguez (knee) needs more rehab. The 2013 National League All-Star is a poor fantasy bet.

Jeff Locke will be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to start against the Giants on Monday.

Wandy Rodriguez (knee) needs more rehab time, providing an opportunity for Locke. The 2013 All-Star has put up a 5.04 ERA at Indy but boasts a 27/6 K/BB ratio across 25 innings. He could get multiple starts depending on how Rodriguez comes along.

The Pirates could recall Jeff Locke from Triple-A Indianapolis to start on Tuesday against the Giants.

Wandy Rodriguez (knee) really struggled in his rehab start Thursday, so the Bucs could elect to give him another outing in the minors. Locke is starting for Indy on Thursday and entered the game with quality starts in each of his last two appearances.

Pirates activated LHP Jeff Locke from the 15-day disabled list; optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Locke's oblique is no longer an issue, but the Pirates have no room for him at the moment. He'll be used in Indianapolis' rotation until a need arises with the big club.

Jeff Locke (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Bradenton Tuesday.

Locke is expected to get his pitch count up to around 100. He figures to be physically ready for activation soon, but the Pirates currently have no room in their rotation. Locke will be stashed in Triple-A Indianapolis' rotation until a need arises.