Thursday: Chad Kuhl v Jared Eickhoff, Lineup, Notes

Tonight: The Bucs close out the four game set against the Phils at 7:05. The game will be broadcast by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Pitchers: Chad Kuhl (3-3, 4.09) returns to take on Jared Eickhoff (10-8, 3.73). Cool Chad is back after skipping a turn; he lasted just two frames in his last outing and was removed with fatigue issues We're not exactly sure why that would be; he's at 134-1/3 IP and has worked 150+ IP in the past two season. Anyway, he got his blow and hopefully he'll return to his six innings, two runs line he posted through his five August starts. Eickhoff, 26, has been erratic, but three of his last four outings have been quite solid and with 30 starts and 173 IP under his belt, he's been around the block this year.

Chad's back in the saddle after skipping a start (photo Pittsburgh Pirates)

Lineup: John Jaso 1B, Matt Joyce LF, Cutch CF, Gregory Polanco RF, Jung Ho Kang 3B, S-Rod 2B, Fran Cervelli, Jordy SS, Kuhl P. Starling is tentatively scheduled to return to action tomorrow, so there's that. As for the lineup, we have no idea what Clint's thinking behind it lately has been; after Cutch, El Coffee, Fran & Jordy, it's been an olio.

• Chad will have a section of about 100 rooters at the ball yard. He grew up in Bear, Delaware, about 45 minutes from Citizens Park. 
• Can't wait til next year? The Pirates open the 2017 season on April 3rd against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, and then return for the home opener against the Atlanta Braves on April 7th. 
• Ben Lindbergh of The Ringer has a cautionary tale of pitching pixie dust and Uncle Ray's voodoo in particular. (s/o to @DTonPirates)
• Anthony Castrovince of Sports on Earth has his list of potential Mangers of the Year. His top two AL selections have tight local ties - Texas' Jeff Banister was a Bucco coach, and  Cleveland's Terry Francona was raised in nearby New Brighton.