Meek DFA’ed, van den Hurk called up


CINCINNATI — It was no surprise today when reliever Evan Meek was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Rick van den Hurk, who was called up from Triple-A Indy. Meek, an All-Star in 2010, hasn’t been the same pitcher the past two seasons, and there clearly was no future for him with the Pirates. Van den Hurk began the year with the Orioles, who cut him in February. He signed with the Blue Jays and a month later was claimed off waivers by the Indians. The righty was granted free agency in April and signed with the Pirates. He went 13-5 with a 2.92 EAR in 21 games (19 starts) with Indy.

»»» The Pirates also recalled INF Chase d’Arnaud and RHP Bryan Morris. The club needs to figure out what its plans are for Morris, who’ll be out of minor league options next year.

»»» Lefty Wandy Rodriguez goes into tonight’s game riding a 13-inning scoreless streak, the fifth-longest active string in the NL. Rodriguez tossed seven scoreless innings Tuesday against Houston and six on Aug. 29 against the Cardinals.

Game 140: Pirates @ Reds, 7:10 p.m. ET

Pirates (72-67): 1. Brock Holt 2b, 2. Alex Presley lf, 3. Andrew McCutchen cf, 4. Garrett Jones 1b, 5. Pedro Alvarez 3b, 6. Jose Tabata rf, 7. Clint Barmes ss, 8. Rod Barajas c, 9. Wandy Rodriguez lhp (10-13, 3.71)

Reds: (84-57): 1. Brandon Phillips 2b, 2. Chris Heisey cf, 3. Joey Votto 1b, 4. Ryan Ludwick lf, 5. Jay Bruce rf, 6. Todd Frazier 3b, 7. Dioner Navarro c, 8. Wilson Valdez ss, 9. Mat Latos rhp (12-4, 3.69)