Marvel v Lucas Sims, Lineup & Notes

Game: It's a 7:05 start and will be aired by AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan. It's Steve Blass big night; the first 20,000 fans get a player/broadcaster double bobblehead of Steverino with his pregame to-do starting at 6:40. Here's knocking on wood that the weather cooperates.

Lineup: Kevin Newman SS, Pedro Reyes CF, Adam Frazier 2B, Jose Osuna 1B, Kevin Kramer RF, Jake Elmore LF, Erik Gonzalez 3B, Steven Baron C, James Marvel P. OK, down to two starters and if our count is right, three healthy bench players.

Marvel gets a last chance to impress - photo Pittsburgh Pirates

Pitchers: RHP James Marvel (0-3/10.22) meets RHP Lucas Sims (2-1/4.39). Marvel's last two games have been disasters - in 7-1/3 IP, he's allowed 12 runs and given up three homers. He gets a fourth start to leave an impression. This will be his first outing against Cincinnati. Sims has been used out of the pen since being recalled in late July, so it's an opener game for the Redlegs today. He got one start in May; he lasted 7-1/3IP against the Bucs, giving up four runs. He's also seen them twice more in relief during his second tour, surrendering four runs in three frames.

Notes

• Erik Gonzalez has an 11-game hitting streak. Another lucky 11 - that's how many straight games the Bucs have won at PNC Park against the Reds.
• The wheels are turning already: the Pirates are talking about using Steven Brault some in the OF next year, ala Michael Lorenzen of the Reds, per Jason Mackey of the Post Gazette. It would add some value to his portfolio; he's hitting .341 this year, been used as a pinch hitter (4-of-7), and sports a .268 lifetime BA.
• CBS has a Bucco prospect list, and oddly, considering how the year has gone, it's primarily guys who haven't appeared in MLB yet. Most of the names should be familiar if you keep up with the minors; if not, time for an intro.
• Steve Blass will be off this game to enjoy his night with his family & friends; tomorrow will be his last broadcast (radio side) as part of the crew.