Friday Night: Miguel Yajure v Kevin Gausman, Craig At Cleanup

Today's Game: It begins at 6:35 and will be aired by AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B; Kevin Newman SS; Bryan Reynolds; Will Craig 1B; Gregory Polanco RF; Ka'ai Tom LF; Wilmer Difo 3B; Michael Perez C; Miguel Yajure P. Lookee who's batting cleanup already...

Will Craig - 2016 Bowman

Pitchers: RHP Miguel Yajure makes his second Pirates start against RHP Kevin Gausman (3-0/1.97).  The 23-year-old Venezuelan, obtained as part of the Jameson Taillon deal, gave up four runs in four innings+ in his first start, but is a generally a strong ground ball guy who limits long balls. He has a four-pitch arsenal and will need them all tonight as he drew Gausman, who has been ace material. He's worked at least six innings in each of his seven starts this year and given up more than a run just once, in the second week of April. The righty hasn't pitched against Pittsburgh since 2019.

We expect that even with an off day after the series that the Pirates are already looking at managing innings for their staff, especially for youngsters like Keller, Bru and Crowe (plus Chad Kuhl, when he returns). They have a lot of options with the move: perhaps just a break in the routine, a possible six-man rotation, the ability to bullpen, or even to fire up a little competition. We'll see how they play it.

Notes:

• The Pirates optioned RHP Geoff Hartlieb to Indy and recalled RHP Miguel Yajure. 3B/1B Todd Frazier cleared waivers and was assigned to Indy, but refused the assignment and elected free agency instead.
• MLB.com has a piece on every team's hottest closer prospect, and despite TJ surgery in March, they selected RHP Blake Cederlind for the Bucs. Speaking of young relievers, Bradenton's RHP JC Flowers was named the Pitcher of the Week for the Low-A Southwest League. In two relief appearances, Flowers pitched six scoreless innings, allowed two hits, and struck out seven.
• RHP Michael Feliz was claimed by the Reds.
• PNC Park will allow vaccinated fans in the seats w/o masks, as if the ushers can sort out who has had a shot from those who haven't. The CDC has left the hospitality/entertainment guys in quite a damned if I do/damned if I don't pickle.

Tomorrow's Game: The game starts at 6:35 and will be on AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan, featuring Tyler Anderson v ol' nemesis Johnny Cueto.