Monday: Reds Come To Town - Mitch Keller v Tyler Mahle; Ben Gamel Activated, Toddfather DFA'ed

Today's Game: The Pirates open the three-game set at 6:35 with the match on AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B; Bryan Reynolds CF; Ka'ai Tom LF; Phil Evans 1B; Jake Stallings C; Wilmer Difo 3B; Troy Stokes Jr RF; Kevin Newman SS; Mitch Keller P. Good to see B-Rey back. Also, a little surprised Tom, with his .424 OBP, isn't batting in the 1-2 spot with Reynolds the third hitter.

He's back...image Pgh. Pirates

Pitchers: RHP Mitch Keller (2-3/6.29) kicks it off against RHP Tyler Mahle (1-1/3.23) . The Pirates are being patient with the up and down Keller. Mitch's last outing was strong, and he's looking to break out of his good performance followed by a bad one trend. His recipe: when he throws strikes, he's on; when he sprays/nibbles, not so much. This is his first outing against the Reds this year. Mahle has been solid; he's not allowed more than two runs in his six starts, although that's tempered by his length - he's only gotten past the fifth inning once this year. This is his first outing of the year against Pittsburgh; he's 1-3/3.90 against them in six career starts.

Notes:

• 1B/3B Todd Frazier has been DFA'ed by the Pirates. OF Ben Gamel will be activated for tonight’s game. Gamel can play all three OF spots though he's primarily a corner guy.
• Shelty told the media gang that Phil Evans and Erik Gonzalez will man first in Colin Moran's absence. Hope they're quick learners: Phil has 28 MLB innings at the position, E-Gon 33. With Ke'Bryan on the 60-Day IL, we'd expect Phil at first and Gonzalez at third (Wilmer Difo/Hunter Owen may get a spot start or two) until Moran returns.

Tomorrow's Game: Game time is 6:35 and the contest will be aired by AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan. JT Brubaker goes for the Bucs and Jeff Hoffman for the Reds.