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What does Yadi's absence mean for Pirates?

Don't be too smug about that, cautioned manager Clint Hurdle.

"Cruz has worked hard, I'm sure, for this opportunity. He's got a strong arm," Hurdle said. "It's not like you can run at will, because their [pitching] staff, historically, has been good at controlling the running game."

Recent history bears out Hurdle's caution. Since the start of the 2013 season, while the Cardinals have predictably been a tougher foe with Molina in their lineup -- the Bucs are 19-24 when he's been in there, compared to 7-4 when he has not -- the difference has not been on the bases.