Pirates' Starling Marte: Hopes to play Wednesday

Marte returned to the field in Tuesday's game against the Cubs for the first time in nearly a week, grounding out as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning.

Analysis:

Aside from a plate appearance last Wednesday and another before exiting early the next night, Marte has been sidelined by lower back tightness since Sept. 6. Marte said the tightness in his back "comes and goes" and occasionally veers into pain, but he hopes to be able to play a full game Wednesday, if his body allows it.