MIAMI -- You can't accuse Jeff Locke of being aloof.
The Pirates' undisputed No. 5 starter is well aware that his August performance -- 15 runs allowed in 21 innings prior to Wednesday's game at Marlins Park -- has raised questions about his worthiness in a contender's rotation.
With J.A. Happ in a groove and A.J. Burnett aiming for a September return, it's not impossible that Locke could find himself in the bullpen as the Pirates close in on another postseason berth. However, after his seven-inning resurgence in a 7-2 win, he addressed some of those creeping doubts.
"It's frustrating because we have such a good ball club," Locke confessed after his longest start since July 19. "You don't want to have any question marks at this point in the season. The way I've pitched, I've kind of been that for a while."
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