Wednesday Getaway: Chad Kuhl v Luis Castillo

Today's Game: The starting time is 12:35 and the game will be on AT&T SportsNet & MLB Network (out of market), with radio coverage on 100.1 FM/1020 KDKA AM..

Lineup: Kevin Newman 2B; Wilmer Difo 3B, Colin Moran 1B; Phil Evans LF, Erik Gonzalez SS; Gregory Polanco RF; Dustin Fowler CF; Michael Perez C; Chad Kuhl P. Not exactly the A-Team with a day game following a night game; Fraze, B-Rey and Jake get the day off.

Wilmer Difo joins the third base carousel - photo 2021 Pirates

Pitchers: RHP Chad Kuhl (0-0/3.00) meets RHP Luis Castillo (0-1/21.60). Chad lasted three innings and issued three walks in the Opener v the Cubs, and that's been the story of the rotation so far; hopefully he (and they) discover a little efficiency and distance in their game. Castillo was rocked against the Cards in his first start, an oddity as he's been the ace of the Reds staff. He's only 4-3 in 10 starts against Pittsburgh but with a 2.64 ERA and 61 K in 58 IP.

Notes:

• The Reds have won four in a row. OF Tyler Naquin has been quite the generator for them; he's got 12 RBI in 14 ABs and an OPS+ of 286. The Reds signed the former Cleveland #1 pick (15th overall in 2012) as a free agent this winter.
• The injury report is that everyone is progressing and no one is near returning according to team medico Todd Tomczyk. Most notably, they're unsure yet whether Ke'Bryan Hayes will return after his 10-day IL break or need more time.
• The Pirates aren't, as of now, going with a designated closer per Shelty. Two of the back end, high leverage guys they'll turn to, per coach Justin Meccage, are Ric Rod and David Bednar.
• If you're going to the game tomorrow, there are some changes so should be aware of.

Tomorrow's Game: The Pirates Home Opening Day starts at 1:35 v the Cubs with Tyler Anderson on the bump against Jake Arrieta. It'll be aired on AT&T SportsNet and MLB Network (out of market), with radio on 93.7 The Fan/100.1 FM/1020 KDKA AM.