Pittsburgh Pirates

Rookie right-hander Trevor Williams is getting a chance to be part of the rotation while Jameson Taillon recovers from surgery for testicular cancer.

After posting a 5.40 ERA in six relief appearances, Williams’ first start of the season and second of his career was a disaster. He allowed eight runs (six earned) in three innings in a loss at the Dodgers on May 8, the same day Taillon had surgery.

However, Williams was much better in his second start, a road victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 13. He allowed one run in five innings.

“That’s not a Trevor Williams outing,” he said of his first start. “I’m glad I was able to come out here five days later and get back on the right track.”

David Freese was activated from the disabled list May 12 after missing 16 games because of a strained right hamstring. With third baseman Jung Ho

Kang still attempting to secure a work visa in his native South Korea after a DUI conviction in March, Freese was hitting .297 with three home runs through 21 games.

Infielder Chris Bostick was

“Our offense has been clicking all year. It’s beautiful and it’s a lot of fun, like every guy in that lineup is going to give a tough at-bat and come up with some good results.” Brewers center fielder Keon Broxton, whose team was averaging 5.3 runs a game through Sunday

optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis when Freese was activated after becoming the sixth Pirates player to make his major league debut this season.