Niese (7-6) lasted just 3.2 innings Sunday, giving up five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three, but was able to escape with a no-decision in a 6-5 loss to the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

He got an extra day to rest his sore knee, but it did Niese little good against the buzzsaw Cubs offense. He's been able to last six innings just once in his last six starts, and Niese's 5.13 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in the first half should be causing the Pirates' front office to consider their options for his rotation spot if they want to stay in contention for a postseason berth.