Cumpton v Hammel, Lineup, Cutch, Frankie Out, Stolmy Back

Jason Hammel (6-3, 2.53 ERA) faces Brandon Cumpton (1-2, 6.51 ERA) tonight. Cumpton is still fighting for a rotation role, although the way the pitchers are dropping, he may get a spot through default. This will be the first time he's gone against the Cubs.

Hammel ranks second in the majors in both WHIP (0.88) and opponent batting average (.191), averaging eight K and less than 2 BB per outing, and has made eight straight starts without surrendering a home run. This is far and away the best start of his career, so he may be due for a bit of regression (although his FIP of 2.88 and peripherals suggest not). The righty is 4-1 with a 3.67 ERA in six career games, including five starts, against the Pirates.

The lineup: Josh Harrison 2B, Gregory Polanco RF, Cutch CF, Ike Davis 1B, Russ Martin C, Pedro 3B, Starling Marte LF, Jordy Mercer SS and Cumpton P.

 The game starts at 7:05 and will be aired by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan - maybe. There's a local tornado watch until 9PM (even though the sun's out now.) .

• Andrew McCutchen leads all MLB players with 11 extra base hits and 35 total bases in June. In his nine games this month, he has produced six doubles and five home runs for a .972 slugging percentage. Cutch now ranks 16th on the Pirates all-time home run list with 112. Next on his list: Bobby Bonilla is 15th with 114 while Dick Stuart and Andy Van Slyke are tied for 13th with 117.
• Francisco Liriano took an MRI today to find the extent of his injury from last night. Whatever it showed, it was enough to land Frankie on the 15-day DL - and an oblique strain can take quite a while to heal, almost always in the 4-6 week range, if not longer. Stolmy Pimentel was reactivated from his rehab assignment to replace him. There will likely be another move; Stolmy hasn't been stretched to start, so someone , likely Vince Worley, will have to take Loriano's starts.
• Mike Matheny named Fredi Gonzalez & Clint Hurdle as his coaches for the ASG. Asistant Pirate trainer Ben Potenziano was also selected for the team.
• Fifth rounder Michael Suchy, a huge - 6'4", 230 lb - OF from Florida Gulf Coast U, signed with the Bucs and was assigned to Jamestown. The Pirates also said that they've signed 10th-round pick RHP Alex McRae, 12th round selection IF Tyler Filliben and 15th rounder RHP Eric Dorsch. No bonus amount was released.