Sunday: Keller v Davies; Crick Back/Crowe Optioned; Good News On Hayes, HBD Mitch

Today's Game: The Opening series comes to a rubber match end with a 2:20 game at Wrigley. It will be carried by AT&T SportsNet PIT2  and 93.7 The Fan. It'll be a beautiful Easter Day to play, with the sun beaming and temps near 70.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B, Kevin Newman SS, Bryan Reynolds LF, Colin Moran 1B, Phil Evans 3B, Greogory Polanco RF, Michael Perez C, Tony Alford CF, Mitch Keller P. Newman replaces Ke'Bryan Hayes in the two hole and C Jake Stallings gets an early blow; sure leaves the back end of the order lookin' threadbare.

Phil Evans gets his first start of the campaign - photo Pirates 2021

Pitchers: RHP Mitch Keller butts heads with RHP Zach Davies. Mitch had a rough spring; his development will be a key to the Bucco rebuild. He's taken on the Cubs three times and lasted 12 IP in those starts with four homers against and an 0-2/6.20 slash. Davies is a first-year Cub, but knows Pittsburgh well from his years with the Brewers and with 14 starts overall, his record is 4-5/4.44.

Notes:

• Whew! Ke'Bryan Hayes' X-rays of his left hand/wrist have come back negative, so he should be back in action sooner rather than later.
• The Pirates reinstated RHP Kyle Crick from the covid-IL and optioned RHP Wil Crowe to the alternate site to clear a roster spot.
• Today is Mitch Keller's birthday; happy 25th orbit around the sun to Kells.

Tomorrow's Game: The Buccos travel to Cincy's GABP and will send out JT Brubaker to tackle Jose DeLeon. The game will begin at 6:40 and be on AT&T SportsNet and 93.7 The Fan.