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.
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| 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.
Wilmer Difo should surely be getting regular playing time at third with Hayes out for an extended stretch. He's a lifetime .248 hitter with a little bit of pop and a little bit of speed, and he was reasonably effective as a 300 to 400 at bat guy in Washington. Why isn't he getting more of a look? This front office definitely makes me scratch my head sometimes, much as I like some of their moves.
ReplyDeleteMy guess, Will, is that they'd like to rotate all three guys just to get a read on their use down the road. It is an audition year.
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