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Bucs to experiment with 'bundling' time for reserves

CHICAGO -- Manager Clint Hurdle said earlier this month that the Pirates hoped to "bundle" playing time for their reserves, providing more consistent at-bats when players are brought off the bench.

So far the Pirates have stuck to a more traditional method of deploying their reserves, but Hurdle said on Wednesday that the concept could become more prevalent as the season progresses.

"I think we bundled when we felt it was appropriate and we could take advantage of some situations," Hurdle said. "I think we're keeping guys in rotation as far as at-bats in games, consecutive at-bats and some pinch-hit at-bats.