Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B, Gregory Polanco RF, Starling Marte 3B, J-Bell DH, Corey Dickerson LF, Fran Cervelli C, Colin Moran 3B, Jose Osuna 1B, Jordy SS (Ivan Nova P). OK, giving Joey O the start at his natural position. Probably the best of both worlds for Osuna to get in the field where he's comfy and for J-Bell to DH & focus on his swing.
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| Joey O starting at first (photo Dave Arrigo/Pirates) |
Pitchers: RHP Ivan Nova (2-2, 4.01) kicks it off against RHP Lucas Giolito (1-4, 7.03). An early season bug-a-boo, the long ball, came back to bite Ivan in his last outing against the Nats, but he had been in groove before that. Hopefully the ol' vet can get back on the bike tonight. He's 4-1/2.42 in seven career starts against the Chi-town American Leaguers, but all the action was as a Yankee; he's never faced them in a Bucco uni. Giolito has pitched creditably in his last two outings (his ERA was folded, spindled and mutilated in a terrible outing against the 'Stros), but in 32 IP he has 23 walks to just 18 whiffs, so he's often a big inning waiting to happen. The former Nat has never tossed against Pittsburgh.
Notes:
- Joey O was officially called up today. Altoona 3B Wyatt Mathisen was promoted to Indy to fill Osuna's spot.
- Joe Musgrove tossed his scheduled four innings last night for Altoona, giving up a run (solo homer) on two hits with four whiffs on 34 pitches - and 28 were strikes! Curve manager Mike Ryan praised not only the outing, but Joe's clubhouse presence.
- Gift Ngoepe was DFA'ed by Toronto and cleared waivers; he'll report to AAA Buffalo.
- Travis Sawchik of Fangraphs looks at the spin rate revolution...can you guess what team hasn't joined the parade? On the same site, Jeff Sullivan writes that whatever pixie dust the 'Stros have sprinkled on Gerrit Cole, the Bucs have used the same magic with Corey Dickerson.
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