Dave Williams

It was a tale of two cities for Joe Rutter, who reported on Dave this way on Monday and this way on Tuesday.

Todd Ritchie's retirement leaves the Pirates with three available candidates for the fifth starter job. But Albie Lopez has been hobbled by a right calf injury and is not expected to take his turn on the mound Wednesday.

That would seem to leave Ryan Vogelsong and Zach Duke as Williams' competition. Even with a strong start Wednesday, it may be too late for Vogelsong to get back in the hunt. That leaves Duke, who may no longer be a wild-card in the process. Although Duke has made only nine starts at the Double-A option, he has continued to open some eyes in camp.

Ritchie's retirement clarifies the situation somewhat. I'll stick to my prophecy that we find time for all those guys provided they prove they can pitch well enough to keep the Bucs in the game.