Some people were surprised by the Pirates’ early Monday call to cancel that night’s game, setting up a traditional doubleheader for Wednesday afternoon. The ranks of the surprised and somewhat confused grew as the day went on, with little rain coming down and temperatures actually going up.

Other than the fact the forecast was indeed discouraging, this might further explain the early call: There is a revolutionary new rule in the fresh Collective Bargaining Agreement that allows teams to temporarily add a 26th player for doubleheaders: But only if the twin-bill is scheduled with a 48-hour notice.

The Pirates notified MLB of Monday’s postponement at about 12:30 p.m., a half hour before word went out to the media and, through them, the public. The first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader is scheduled to start at 12:35 p.m.

Manager Clint Hurdle did confirm a few minutes ago that the Bucs will be adding a reliever for the twosome. The Pirates bullpen has been an arm short anyway, since Jared Hughes was optioned to Indy to make room for A.J. Burnett’s activation. Most likely addition for tomorrow is a lefty to support Tony Watson, someone like Daniel Moskos.

The 26th man is a one-day-and-done deal. Unless another roster move is made to accomodate a longer stay, he must return to the Minors immediately after the games’ conclusion.