Big Joe v Michael Lorenzen, Lineup & Notes; Cederlind Called Up

Game: The contest begins at 6:40. It will aired by MLB Network (out of market), AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan.  

Lineup: Erik Gonzalez SS, Bryan Reynolds CF, Ke'Bryan Hayes 3B, Colin Moran 1B, Josh Bell DH, Gregory Polanco RF, Cole Tucker CF, JT Riddle 2B, Jake Stallings C and Joe Musgrove P. It's the first time we recall that Kevin Newman and Adam Frazier have been out of the lineup at the same time.

Pitchers: RHP Joe Musgrove (0-4, 5.40) hooks up against RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 5.23). Joe looked solid in his last two outings after missing a month with triceps and ankle injuries. He's gone seven innings, surrendering two runs on six hits with two walks and nine K. This will be Lorenzen's first start of the year, but a good match for the Reds. He's tossed three times this year against the Pirates, going 5-1/5 IP while giving up three hits with four whiffs. We're guessing the Reds would be happy to get him into the fifth as he hasn't reached 60 pitches in any game yet this year.

Blake gets the call - 2020 Photo Day Brian Blanco/Getty

Notes:

• The Bucs activated RHP Blake Cederlind, and CF Jason Martin has been optioned back to Altoona. "Baby Thor" is a power reliever who began opening eyes in Bradenton during the original Spring camp. He was held back a bit when he tested positive for Covid in early July. Blake is ready to go; he was already on the 40-man roster and taxi squad.
• With yesterday's twin losses, the Pirates have dropped five straight games. The double dinging also guaranteed them a 24th losing season out of the past 28, and none of those campaigns has produced a division title nor a move past the first round of the playoffs.