Thursday, June 26, 2014

Vanimal v Dice K, Lineup, Bombs, Wandy...

Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-1, 2.68) goes against Vance Worley (1-0, 1.98) tonight.

The Bucs 26-year-old RHP will be making his third start of the season and his first at PNC Park. He isn't real toolsy, but he changes his speeds and ball levels while staying out of the middle of the plate. It's worked pretty well for him so far. Vanimal's not been very hot against the Mets, going 3-4 with a 6.64 ERA (skewed by a blowout NY win last year) in 16 career games (eight starts). He's lost his last three decisions against the Metropolitans

Matsuzaka features five pitches: a fastball, slider, cutter, curveball, and split-finger. He's worked both as a starter and from the pen, joining the rotation May 25th and filling in now for Dillon Gee. His overall opponent BA is .172, with a .198 opp BA as a starter. He does give up some walks, so patience is required. This will be the first time Dice-K has squared off against Pittsburgh.

The lineup: Gregory Polanco RF, Josh Harrison LF, Cutch CF, Neil Walker 2B, Russ Martin C, Ike Davis 1B, Pedro 3B, Jordy Mercer SS and Worley P.
Marte is still out.
The game starts at 7:05 and will be aired on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.
  • Lumber Company Reincarnated: The Bucs have homered in a season-high six straight games.
  • Maybe Wandy did have a little more wrong with him than old age. It been reported that he had season-ending knee surgery by ESPN Desportes.
  • Ex Bucs: Kyle Farnsworth was outrighted and Jose Veras called up by the Astros.

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