Chase Shugart is making the most of his first significant stint at the major-league level. 

Whether he's pitching 1/3 of an inning or going two-plus to help preserve a taxed bullpen, Shugart has delivered time and time again, compiling a 4-3 record, a 2.97 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP over 31 appearances. Not bad for a guy who had just six big-league appearances under his belt coming into this season.

As good as he's been, though, Shugart is quick to acknowledge the teammates who have helped show him how to be successful at the highest level. Shugart said this afternoon that he's learned a lot from guys like David Bednar, Caleb Ferguson and Dennis Santana in terms of how to carry himself off the field and how to approach facing major-league hitters on the field. 

"They just go in there and attack the strike zone with their best stuff," Shugart told me. "I'm just trying to emulate what they do. It's led to some success and hopefully I can just keep it rolling." 

Shugart hasn't just been another guy the team has thrown into the relief mix. He's played a significant role as a workhorse within the bullpen. He currently leads all Pirates relievers with 36 1/3 innings pitched after throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings in Monday night's win over the Cardinals. 

"I pride myself on throwing until they tell me not to throw anymore," he said. "Being able to do that and help save the pen, especially being down a guy with Dennis, trying to eat as many innings as possible so we don't have to waste another arm in that situation or even think of using another arm. Just having each other's backs and doing what's asked of me."