Locke uncertain of future with Pirates

PITTSBURGH — During his time in the bullpen this year, Jeff Locke learned about the disciplined routines that make good relievers successful night after night. He learned about the camaraderie of Pittsburgh’s relief corps and came to appreciate the ability to go from idle observer to game-on-the-line pitcher

The most important thing Locke learned, though?

“Pitch better,” he said.

Locke pitched his way out of the Bucs’ rotation this year and perhaps out of their plans. Part of Pittsburgh’s starting staff the past four years, he was moved to the bullpen late this season. The left-hander could be retained as a multi-inning reliever or for rotation depth, but he will enter the offseason as a candidate to be non-tendered.

Locke is eligible for salary arbitration and projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn $4.2 million next season. When Pirates officials publicly discuss their 2017 rotation plans, his name doesn’t come up in the conversation. Even Locke is uncertain.

“Until told otherwise, you assume that you will come back here,” Locke said. “But I understand the reality of the situation, the business side of the game, maybe the direction the team wants to head after this season. … As for me, I don’t really know …

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