Tuesday: JT Brubaker v Jeff Hoffman - Polanco Back, Shreve Recalled, Crick Out, Owen DFA'ed

Today's Game: First pitch is at 6:35 and the match will be aired by AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B; Bryan Reynolds CF; Phil Evans 1B; Jake Stallings C; Erik Gonzalez 3B; Ka'ai Tom LF; Kevin Newman SS; Troy Stokes Jr RF; JT Brubaker P. Play whatcha got...

And back on the active roster...photo Pirates

Pitchers: RHP JT Brubaker (2-2, 2.78) bumps heads with RHP Jeff Hoffman (2-2/4.39). Bru has come back to earth a bit in his last two starts, but has still been solid enough. The bullpen behind him and the lack of bats have hurt him more than the opponents lately. He's faced the Reds once this year, holding them to a run on three hits in four innings, but he did issue four free passes. JT has been adept at limiting damage, as his 4.03 FIP shows, so it'll be interesting to see where the season takes him, especially as he's tossed just 75 IP in the past two years between a 2019 forearm strain and then the 2020 mini-season. Hoffman was off to a hot start, but in his last two trips to the hill, he's lasted just 6-1/3 IP while giving up seven runs. Two games ago, five walks in four innings did him in while during his last visit to the slab he allowed five hits in 2-1/3 IP. This is his first look at the 2021 Pirates. 

Notes:

• RHP Kyle Crick (R triceps sprain) has been placed on the 10-day IL, and LHP Chasen Shreve has been recalled from Indy. OF Gregory Polanco has been activated from the IL, and INF/OF Hunter Owen has been DFA'ed.
• Fraze has an 11-game hitting streak going into tonight. He's 15-of-45 during the span and if he gets a knock tonight, Adam will tie his personal-best 12-game string. Speaking of 11-game streaks, Jake Stallings has reached base safely via hit and/or walk in 11 consecutive games.
• Home field advantage? The Bucs have lost five straight games at PNC Park.
• The Pirates reportedly won't increase seating until June, even with the Governor's relaxed standards. The team believes that it's too late to implement the changes needed, although it's possible they could open up some currently closed off outfield sections.

Tomorrow's Game: Game time is 12:35 and will be aired by AT&T SportsNet & KDKA 100.1 FM/1020 AM. Trevor Cahill will meet Sonny Gray to close out the set.

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