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Pirates looking at 2 young pitchers for No. 5 starter spot; game against Orioles rained out

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Grounds crew workers push water off the tarp before an exhibition spring training baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (The Associated Press)

Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter walks in the outfield before a baseball spring training exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (The Associated Press)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are giving two youngsters a fair shot at winning the fifth starter spot in their rotation.

Left-hander Jeff Locke and right-hander Kyle McPherson were impressive in their first outings of spring training. Neither got a chance to pitch Tuesday because the Pirates' game against the Baltimore Orioles was rained out. There was no initial indication if there would be a makeup.

The rain gave Pirates catcher Russell Martin a chance to rest. He was scratched from the lineup earlier Tuesday, and he will also sit out Wednesday because of minor soreness in his right shoulder. Martin said it was normal pain for a catcher.

Orioles starter Chris Tillman was pushed back to start Wednesday against the Red Sox.