Bucs-Birds, Willy v Mikolas, Lineup & Notes - Jordy Back, S-Rod DFA'ed

Today: Tonight's game starts at 8:15 and will be on AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan.

Pitchers: RHP Trevor Williams (10-9, 3.44) v RHP Miles Mikolas (13-3, 2.94). Willy has gone 3-2/0.97 in six starts (37 IP) since the All-Star break. He's 1-2/5.85 in four starts against the Birds this year. His latest decision was a 2-1 loss Jack Flaherty - he made all four starts against him - on 8/5 at PNC Park. Mikolas has been the de facto Card ace this year, but he may be wearing down a bit, as he's given up four runs in two of his last three outings. MM is 0-1/3.38 in three games against the Pirates this year.

Willy on the bump. (photo Pittsburgh Pirates)

Lineup: Starling Marte CF, Adam Frazier 2B, Gregory Polanco RF, Fran Cervelli C, Corey Dickerson LF, Josh Bell 1B, Colin Moran 3B, Jordy Mercer SS & Williams P. Jordy is back in the saddle.

Notes:

• Jordy's back; S-Rod (.167) was DFA'ed to clear a spot for him on the active roster, so Kevin Newman escaped a return to Indy, although with Jordy/Hechy at short and Fraze/J-Hay at second, it's tough to see many innings for him until the Buccos decide to shift into audition mode. 

Sean gone. (image Pittsburgh Pirates)

• Fran Cervelli has hit safely in eight straight games, bella vita! Gregory's seven-gamer came to an end last night.
• Felipe Vazquez has converted 17 consecutive save opportunities, the longest active NL streak. He ranks 14th in team history with 48 saves and is closing in on Rich Loiselle (49) for the lucky 13th spot.
• The Pirates are 3-8 against Chicago, Atlanta, Milwaukee, & St. Louis in their last four sets and 4-12 in their last 16 games.
• Ron Morris of Baseball America catches up with Kris Benson.