Bucs @ Brewers, Kingham v Guerra & Notes

Today: The game starts at 8:10 as the Bucs begin a three-game set at Miller Park. AT&T SportsNet and 93.7 The Fan will carry the action.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B, Gregory Polanco RF, Starling Marte CF, J-Bell 1B, Corey Dickerson LF, Fran Cervelli C, Colin Moran 3B, Jordy SS & Nick Kingham P. The usual suspects.

The King looking to keep it rollin' (photo Pittsburgh Pirates)

Pitchers: RHP Nick Kingham (1-0, 0.00) opens the series v RHP Junior Guerra (2-1, 0.82). Nick was about as good as you could be in his first outing and could make things interesting decision-wise for the FO when Joe Musgrove returns if he can stay sharp; his slider was a revelation. He's replaced Steven Brault in the rotation but will have his hands full against Guerra. The 33-year-old Junior started in AAA, but in four starts since his call up has given up just two earned runs on 13 hits and eight walks with 21 whiffs in 22 IP. He had a miserable 2017, but went to work in the winter leagues and returned sharp. In five starts against Pittsburgh, his line is 1-0/2.86, so he's got a good resume v the Bucs.

Notes:

• Milwaukee has won 11-of-15 and lead the NL Central ay 19-13, two games ahead of the Bucs. The Pirates, tho, should be glad to return to meet an old foe - they're 8-2 against NL Central rivals.
• Mad Max made his big league debut here at Miller Park on 7/31/16. He went 4-for-12 last year against the Brewers.
• AJ Schugel had a recurrence of right shoulder discomfort. His Indy rehab stint has ended for now and he'll get reevaluated.
• Ke'Bryan Hayes was presented with the 2017 MiLB/Rawlings Gold Glove Award for being the best defensive third baseman in the minors before last night's Altoona Curve game.
• Writer John Perrotto had cancer surgery; we're wishing the hard-working scribe a quick recovery and return to the beat.
• That was quick: the Braves, who had just signed Joey Bats two weeks ago, called him up today as a third baseman.