Pirates' Gregory Polanco: Absent from Thursday's lineup

Polanco (neck) is not listed in Thursday's lineup.

Analysis:

Neck issues that also kept him out Wednesday are the likely culprit. While he may return sometime in the final weekend, the Pirates, who won't be going to the postseason, might decide they have no reason to push one of their core players while playing out the string. Polanco's breakout year may end with a whimper. As for Thursday, Josh Bell will hit second and replace him in right field.