Cole Train v Jeremy Hellickson; Lineup & Notes

Today's Game - Gerrit Cole (14-6, 2.48) starts the series off against Jeremy Hellickson (8-8, 4.73). Gerrit hasn't been sharp in recent outings; we're wondering if the fact he's already at career highs in starts (23) and IP (148-2/3) may be catching up a bit to him as he's now sailing in uncharted waters. Of course, his command would look a lot better if the defense played a little (OK, a lot) better behind him. Cole is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in two career starts against the Snakes and won a 4-1 decision over Josh Collmenter in April at Chase Field.

Hellickson has been up and down.  He's held opponents to two runs or less in 11 of his 22 starts, but been banged for a five spot or more five times, too.  The Bucs bopped him 8-0 in April, his only outing against Pittsburgh. The game begins at 7:05 and will be on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan. And bring a poncho if you're going; there's a good chance of rain sometime after 9 o'clock or so.

Well, that's a little more like it. The big boys are back on the field as the Bucs open a seven game homestand tonight, starting with Arizona and ending with the Giants.

• Yesterday was JHK's first day off in 34 games, a stretch that began on July 4th. Josh was hurt July 5th and Jordy a couple of weeks later, so it was all day, every day for Kang.  
• Gerrit has gone three games without a win; he's only had one longer streak, a 2014 four game span without a victory, in his career.
• The two teams met in April at Chase Field, and the Bucs swept the Snakes. Pittsburgh outscored Arizona 14-2 during that series.
• Pittsburgh has gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and 15-6 in their last 21 games. Arizona has kind of sputtered along, going 5-5 in their past 10 contests.
• Kelsie Heneghan of MiLB.com has an Indy recap featuring Tyler Glasnow's five shutout innings and when he expects to be in the show.
• Toronto just called up old Bucco prospect Matt "The Hitman" Hague.