LEADING OFF: Pirates try to end skid, Cessa boosts Yanks

A look at what’s happening all around the majors Tuesday:

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HARR-IBLE

The Pirates have lost seven in a row and fallen below .500, dropping them 4 1/2 games behind St. Louis for the second NL wild-card spot. Ryan Vogelsong (3-4, 3.56 ERA) aims to end the slide when he starts at PNC Park against the Cardinals, who have homered in a team-record 24 straight games.

NICE START

Yankees right-hander Luis Cessa is 4-0 since making his major league debut this season. He’ll try to keep New York close in the AL wild-card chase when he starts at home vs. All-Star Aaron Sanchez (13-2) and the Blue Jays.

BULLPEN HELP

The Cubs are expected to activate reliever Hector Rondon from the disabled list before their game at Milwaukee. The righty has been out since Aug. 17 with a right triceps strain. He is 2-3 with 18 saves and a 2.47 ERA for the team with the best record in the majors.

WELCOME BACK

Reliever Koji Uehara is expected to join the Red Sox for their game in San Diego. The former closer has been out since July 20 with a strained pectoral muscle. The righty is 2-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 39 games this season.

SEEING RED

The New York Mets have won 12 in a row against Cincinnati going into their matchup at Great American Ball Park. Rafael Montero starts for the Mets against Reds lefty Brandon Finnegan.