Pirates activate rookie LHP Duke
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September 16, 2005
PITTSBURGH (Ticker) - Zach Duke's rookie season isn't over after all.
The Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday activated Duke and will start the 22-year-old lefthander in the first game of a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.
Duke has not pitched since suffering a sprained left ankle while running the bases in an August 23 game against St. Louis.
The National League Rookie of the Month in July, Duke is 6-0 with a 1.87 ERA in his first nine starts and is attempting to become the first Pirates rookie since Don Robinson in 1978 to win his first seven decisions. He has a record of 18-3 this season between Pittsburgh and Class AAA Indianapolis of the International League.
Despite not making his major league debut until July 2, Duke had a shot at the NL Rookie of the Year award before his injury.
Pittsburgh left fielder Jason Bay won the honor last season. No team has produced two consecutive Rookies of the Year since the Los Angeles Dodgers had five straight from 1992-96.
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