Lineup, Notes, News

RHP James McDonald (11-5, 3.61) goes against LHP Andrew Werner (0-0, 0.00) today. J-Mick has been looking like his old self, but last time against SD he took a 7-1 lead into the fifth inning before allowing six runs in a 9-8 loss. Werner is getting his first MLB start. The game begins at 6:35 and will be aired by Root Sports.

The lineup: Jose Tabata LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Garrett Jones RF, Gaby Sanchez 1B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Mike McKenry C, Clint Barmes SS, James McDonald P.

SD is going for the broom; AJ couldn't slow them down so it's on J-Mick to salvage one game from the series. The Bucs are 7-1/2 behind the Reds and in a real dogfight for the wildcard, so every win is a big one - as is every loss.

• J-Mick has been charged with zero/one earned run 10 times out of 24 starts this season.
• The Pirates were the only team left in the majors without a loss in extra innings before last night.
• The Padres are on a 17-3 run against the Pirates.  
• The Bucs will return to Pittsburgh following today’s game and begin a six game home stand against Milwaukee and St. Louis after a travel day Thursday. Friday will also begin a streak of 28 consecutive games against teams from the NL Central Division.
• Jordy Mercer will rejoin the team in Pittsburgh on Friday.