Thursday, July 2, 2015

Frankie v Kyle Ryan, Lineup & Notes

Today's Game - Francisco Liriano (4-6, 3.21) takes on Kyle Ryan (1-1, 4.56) in a lefty duel to close out the Motown series. Liriano has gone 3-2 with a 2.27 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 47-1/3 IP through his last seven starts. He's lost nine of this last 10 decisions to the Tigers, though, last winning a game in 2011. In 26 outings against Motown, he's got a 5.59 ERA.

Ryan, 23, came out of the bullpen to grab a rotation spot when Shane Greene was sent back to AAA to recalibrate. Kyle is a cutter/sinker guy who likes to attack the strike zone, and that helps explain his four HR in 23+ IP. One thing for sure; he'll be plenty rested. He worked 3-1/3 innings on June 24th and then was rained out of his last scheduled start; he even warmed up a bit during the late innings of Tuesday's 14 frame game just in case. The getaway day festivities start at 1:08 and will be on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Gregory gets a shot against a lefty (2014 Topps Triple Threat series)


The Lineup - Josh Harrison LF, Jordy Mercer SS, Cutch DH, Starling Marte CF, Jung-Ho Kang 3B, Fran cervelli C, Neil Walker 2B, Gregory Polanco RF, Sean Rodriguez 1B (Liairano P).

Bit of an unusual lineup, against a lefty with a DH. Today Pedro is the only guy benched because of a southpaw (Sean Rodriguez is starting his fourth straight game); Gregory and The Kid, both who have been hot lately, get a nod. Best of both worlds scenario with Cutch; his bat is in the lineup but his knees are on the bench.

  • Last night was The Kid's first four-hit contest since September 19th, 2013 against the Padres. Other hot Buccos: Cutch has an eight game hitting streak; Starling and Jordy have put together seven gamers and Neil has a five game run..
  • The Bucs leave Motown and return to Pittsburgh to begin a 10-game homestand that will take them to the All-Star break. They host the Indians, Padres and close out with a four game set against the Cards.
  • Fangraph's Zachary Abate took a look at which pitchers were the best and worst at giving up infield hits. To our surprise, the only Bucco to make the victims list was Jared Hughes - 24% of his hits have been of the infield variety. 
  • Jake Seiner of MiLB includes Alen Hanson among this week's Hot Prospects.
  • The Bucs first international free agent signing was 16 year-old Bahaman OF'er Larry Alcimes, Jr, who is already 6'-2-1/2" and projects as a power bat. He was inked for $350,000.

2 comments:

WilliamJPellas said...

The way the Cardinals are going, the series the Pirates have with them at PNC might be their last realistic chance to cut into St. Louis' lead in the Central.

Ron Ieraci said...

Yah, it is a big series, especially heading into the AS break, Will. Afterward, there are nine games left, but six are at SL, where the Cards are voodoo good.