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Rivero becomes workhorse in Pirates' 'pen

PITTSBURGH -- Felipe Rivero has been one of baseball's busiest relievers. The left-hander has also been one of the Majors' most effective arms this season.

Entering Saturday's game against the Brewers at PNC Park, Rivero appeared in 17 of the Pirates' first 29 games. He is tied for the Major League lead in appearances with a pair of left-handers, the Angels' Jose Alvarez and the Mets' Jerry Blevins. But Rivero is not a specialist -- just the opposite, in fact.

The Pirates are willing to use him for more than three outs, when necessary, breaking from the traditional "setup" role.