Dunio : Pirates NEED 6 Man Rotation

For most of the season, the Pirates starting pitching has been the best in the majors. Recently though, the starting unit has fallen to the middle of the pack (statistically) in the National League. A blend of aging starters and near-career totals in IP for the younger starters may force the Pirates to a 6 man rotation.
Let's take a look at the current situation:
AJ Burnett - After allowing 5 ER or more in each of his first 20 starts, the 36 year old has allowed 5 ER in each of his last 2 starts. At 36 years old, you can't help to wonder if AJ is beginning to fatigue. AJ has been an innings eater over the course of his career, but with 137.2 IP in the books so far this year, you'd think an extra day of rest would be beneficial for him.
Francisco Liriano - Liriano is showing no signs of slowing down, but he's logged 114 IP for the season. However, Liriano has only thrown more than 156 innings twice in his career. He seems fine, but the extra day of rest might be beneficial for him to keep him fresh as well.
Jeff Locke - Locke's career high IP came in 2011 when he posted 153 IP between AA and AAA. With 137 IP already this season, he's very close to exceeding his career totals. In Locke's first 19 starts, he allowed 4 hits or less 13 times. However, in his last 4 starts, he's allowed 8 or more hits 3 times. Locke is a strong candidate for extra rest.
Charlie Morton - Since returning from the DL, Morton has thrown only 61 innings. He shouldn't need extra rest, but he's the only exception in the rotation.
Gerrit Cole - Between AAA and the Pirates, Cole has already thrown 140 innings this season. He has already exceeded his career high (132 IP last season) and is currently in unchartered waters. The Pirates have expressed interest in giving Cole an extra few days of rest between starts and it's wise to proceed with caution. Cole would certainly benefit from a 6th starter being added to the rotation.
If a 6th starter were added in the immediate future, Brandon Cumpton makes the most sense. In his last spot start, he was exceptional against a stout Cardinals offense. Regardless of who is added, the Pirates need to consider adding a 6th starter immediately to keep the rotation fresh for the final stretch in the NL pennant race.

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