Pirates scratch starter Francisco Liriano because of neck tightness

Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano was scratched minutes before the start of Saturday night’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers because of tightness in his neck.

Vance Worley (3-4) was tabbed as his replacement, which set off two lineup changes for the Brewers, who wanted to take advantage of the right-hander.

Red-hot Gerardo Parra and Scooter Gennett replaced Khris Davis and Hernan Perez in the lineup.

Worley last started on May 14 against the Phillies after being part of the Pirates’ rotation the first month of the season.

There was no immediate word on the severity of Liriano’s injury. Liriano (5-6) had made all 18 of his previously scheduled starts this year.

Etc.

Shortstop Dansby Swanson, the first overall pick in baseball’s amateur draft last month, agreed to a $6.5-million signing bonus with the Arizona Diamondbacks just before the deadline for him to reach a deal.