Vogelsong struggled again Tuesday, allowing five runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two in just four innings against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

There's no shame in getting knocked around by a tough Cardinals lineup, but this is becoming a pattern for Vogelsong. The 39-year-old has shown his age in his last five starts, failing to eclipse six innings on any occasion while allowing 19 runs in 26 frames over that span. He'll look to get back on track Sunday against the Reds in what will be his fourth straight start against an NL Central foe.

Vogelsong (3-4) gave up five runs on six hits over five innings in Wednesday's road loss to the Cubs. He struck out three and walked three.

EDGE Analysis

Vogelsong came into this game having drastically outpitched his peripherals -- we're talking a point and a half of difference between his ERA and FIP -- and regression came for him courtesy of the Cubs' dangerous offense. Fantasy owners who have ridden the ride this far need to hop off before they get hurt, as it doesn't get easier with the Cardinals on tap next.

Vogelsong (2-3) allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks over six innings while striking out five in Sunday's loss to the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

He's done yeoman's work filling out the back of the Pirates' rotation in August, posting a 2.28 ERA and 17:7 K:BB in 23.2 innings over four starts, although Vogelsong's ERA is a little deceptive considering he's given up four unearned runs in that stretch. He'll next take the mound Friday in Milwaukee.

Vogelsong (2-2) allowed four runs on nine hits and three walks with a strikeout over 5.2 innings in a win Monday against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Vogelsong failed to record a quality start for the first time in three starts since he rejoined the rotation August 4. He was undone by a pair of solo home runs and couldn't miss bats, as he drew just one swinging strike in 94 pitches. Vogelsong gave up 17 home runs in 135 innings (1.1 HR/9) as he allowed a 4.67 ERA in 2015, and his struggles in that department are still there (five HR in 39.1 innings, 1.1 HR/9). He owns a solid 3.20 ERA, but he'll have to keep the ball in the yard if he wants to maintain it.

Vogelsong (1-2) pitched extremely well but took the loss Wednesday against the Padres. He allowed two unearned runs on three hits, struck out five and walked one in the defeat.

EDGE Analysis

The Pirates didn't give Vogelsong any run support, as they recorded a season-low two hits, and two errors in the second inning led to the two runs he allowed. Vogelsong has given up one earned run in 12 frames since returning from the disabled list, but he hasn't won either game because the Pirates have supplied him two runs combined in those two outings. Vogelsong now has a 2.67 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in 33.2 innings over four starts and 10 relief appearances this season. After two great outings, he should remain in the starting rotation.

Vogelsong, coming back from a layoff of more than two months after being hit in the face by a pitch, held the Braves to a single run on three hits and a walk while striking out six over six strong innings Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

He didn't receive a decision thanks to opposing starter Tyrell Jenkins matching him inning for inning, ruining a sparkling return for Vogelsong after a scary injury that required him to get eye surgery. The 39-year-old righty had the bad luck to get drilled in the face in his very first start of the year after coming out of the bullpen to start the season, but a rotation spot was still waiting for him upon his return. Now in the twilight of his career, he isn't an exciting fantasy starter even on his best days, but Vogelsong has it in him to turn out the occasional strong outing like this one. Having friendly matchups certainly helps.

Vogelsong was recalled to start Thursday's game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Vogelsong made four rehab starts as he returned from a neck injury that sidelined him since May. He pitched to a 2.86 ERA over 22 combined innings between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis. The 39-year-old is now set to toe this hill Thursday as he faces off against Tyrell Jenkins and the Braves. In order to make room on the depth chart, Max Moroff was optioned to Triple-A.

Vogelsong (neck) will start for the Pirates Thursday against the Braves, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

It will be the first Major League appearance since May 23 for Vogelsong, who has been recovering from an eye procedure that was performed after he was hit in the head with a pitch. He'll get the starting nod Thursday and should be a short-term rotation option, but he could be slated for long relief in the long run, especially if the 52-50 Pirates decide to take a closer look at their young arms down the stretch.

Vogelsong (neck) hurled seven innings of two-run ball Wednesday for Triple-A Indianapolis and could become a candidate for Pittsburgh's rotation in the coming week.

EDGE Analysis

Depending upon what roster moves transpire at the trade deadline, Vogelsong will either return to the rotation or bullpen. The 39-year-old righty would be looked upon as an innings eater if he came back as a starter. He made just two starts in 12 appearances before suffering a serious eye injury while batting in May.

Vogelsong (neck) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The plan is for Vogelsong to pitch seven innings or throw 90-95 pitches, whichever comes first. By the looks of it, the Pirates plan to slot Vogelsong into the rotation when he is activated from the disabled list. Vogelsong has pitched in 12 games for the Pirates this season, starting just two of them.