Memorial Day In KC: Chad Kuhl v Mike Minor; Mears Optioned

Today's Game: The 8:10 Kauffman Stadium match will be on ESPN, AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan. The Bucs and Royals split an earlier two-game set at PNC Park.

Lineup: Adam Frazier DH; Kevin Newman 2B; Bryan Reynolds CF; Jake Stallings; Gregory Polanco RF; Will Craig 1B; Ka'ai Tom LF; Erik Gonzalez 3B; Cole Tucker SS; (Chad Kuhl P). The ol' AL lineup tonite.

Tuck gets the start at short - photo Dave Arrigo/Pirates

Pitchers: RHP Chad Kuhl (0-1/6.32) kicks off the set v LHP Mike Minor (3-2/4.83). Chad's returning from the IL/Indy rehab after suffering a sore wing, so we wouldn't expect a very deep start. His problems on the hill before the injury were mainly the result of surrendering four homers and 16 walks over 15-2/3 IP. He's faced the Royals once and got clobbered last year, issuing six walks and giving up a homer in 2-1/3 IP. Minor has been the KC workhorse with 54 innings eaten in 10 starts. He's tossed once against Pittsburgh this year, being chased in the fifth after giving up five runs (four earned) in a no-decision that the Royals won 9-6.

Notes:

• RHP Nick Mears was returned to Indy, creating room on the active roster for RHP Chad Kuhl to return from the IL.
• The Pirates selected UT Hunter Owen and C Joe Hudson as their taxi squad for the KC series.
• Nothin' like a little stability: the Bucs have started seven different guys at third base and in right field in their first 52 games.
• Pittsburgh leads the majors in the dubious three runs or fewer scored category with 32 games; surprisingly, the team right behind them is the NY Yankees at 30.

Tomorrow's Game: The quickie two-game series ends tomorrow at 8:10 and will be on AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan. Wil Crowe battles Brady Singer.