Alex v Sonny Gray, Lineup & Notes - Lyles to Brew Crew

Game: The Redlegs series at Great American Ball Park opens at 7:10, with the game aired by AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan.

Lineup: Kevin Newman SS, Adam Frazier 2B, Starling Marte CF, Josh Bell 1B, Bryan Reynolds RF, Colin Moran 3B, Jose Osuna LF, Elias Diaz C, Alex McRae P. Joey O gets the call to start rather than Melky; maye a hug-watch indicator? Corey D isn't 100% yet but is hoped to be available off the bench, although that's not confirmed.

It'll be Alex tonight to replace Jordan - photo Dave Arrigo/Pgh Pirates

Pitchers: RHP Alex McRae (0-2/7.71) gets it going against RHP Sonny Gray (5-6/3.29). McRae is stepping in for the newly departed Jordan Lyles. He's been up-and-down between Indy and Pittsburgh, and has given up two or more runs in four of his five outings,with this being his first MLB start. Mac twirled against the Reds in May, giving up two solo homers in three IP. Gray's had a nice bounce-back season after a miserable 2018 with the NYY. His numbers are pretty strong across the board, including 10.5 K/nine innings. Sonny is 1-2 against the Pirates, giving up five runs (four earned) in three starts covering 15 frames.

Notes:

• Jordan Lyles was scheduled to start today, but instead was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for AA RHP Cody Ponce. Ponce, 25, is 6'6" and posted a 1-3-1/3.29 line with AA Biloxi, collecting 44 K in 38-1/3 IP. The starter-turned-reliever is considered a second-tier prospect, and projected as a multi-inning long man in MLB. He has a four-pitch toolkit thanks to his days as a starter and is a ground ball guy. Milwaukee knows Lyles as he was on their staff last year and apparently feel that they can put him together again.
• RHP Montana DuRapau was recalled to fill in the roster hole, at least until Lyle's spot comes due again in five days.
• The Pirates have lost eight in a row and 13-of-15 since the AS break. Pittsburgh is in the NL cellar, three games behind Cincy. It'll be a tough series; Gray, Tanner Roark and Luis Castillo are a pretty good trio of arms.
• The Florida State League has named Bradenton 1B Mason Martin Player of the Week. Since being promoted to High A, he has five HR and a slash of .262/.400/.607 in 75 PA.