Notes: 3-4 Week; Bucco Moves, News; Minor Happenings, Ex-Pirates On The Go

A month to go...

Notes:

• The Bucs returned to PNC to take on the Cards, and behind Josh Palacios' five RBI and Bailey Falter's strong six-inning outing romped to an 11-1 win. Then, riding Johan Oviedo's arm and a Cutch homer, they won game two over long-time nemesis Adam Wainwright by a 6-3 count. The Redbirds hit Luis Ortiz early and the Bucs bats couldn't catch up, losing 6-4. The Cubs came calling and took the opener, 5-4, in 10 innings. Mitch Keller was sharp again and broke a seven-game losing streak to Chicago with a 2-1 victory in the second contest. Osvaldo Bido was tagged for an eight-spot the next night, and the Bucs ran out of bullets in a 10-6 defeat. As a result, RHP Cody Bolton was recalled from Indy and Bido was optioned down. They closed out by getting clocked, 10-1.
• Before Tuesday's match, brothers Josh and Richie Palacios, both starting in center field for the Bucs and Cards respectively, exchanged lineups before the game. It was the best move of the game by managers Shelty and Oli Marmol. 
• Andrew McCutchen hit three doubles during Wednesday's matinee, the first time he's banged three two-baggers in the same game.

Cutch - 2023 Pirates

• RHP Luis Ortiz was activated from the Taxi Squad and RHP Dauri Moreta was optioned to Indy on Wednesday.
• The Pirates brought back IF Vinny Capra from Indy and placed OF/C Henry Davis (swollen thumb) on the 10-day IL. He was injured during a slide and tried to play through it, but the Bucs decided it was time to rest/treat it.
• LHP Rob Zastryzny was recalled from Indy and RHP Yohan Ramirez was optioned to the Tribe. LHP Angel Perdomo (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day IL, ending his campaign with a slash of 3-2/3.72 in 30 outings. Z-Man started Thursday, the same day he was called back, as the Pirates continued in bullpen opener mode.
• Henry Davis hasn't started hitting yet after a week on the IL.
• SS Oniel Cruz's running program is on hold as he's experienced soreness in his foot, casting a shadow on a return to action this season.
• RHP Max Kranick (2022 TJ surgery) had his rehab assignment transferred from Lo-A Bradenton to Indy; he has a shot at seeing a little time with the Pirates this year. He went 2-2/3 shutout innings for the Indians in his first outing while surrendering a hit, walk and four K.
• Greensboro RHP Valentin Linarez, 23, was the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week for tossing five no-hit innings with nine K.

Paul Skenes - 2023 MLB Pipeline

• #1 pick Paul Skene's lightning journey through the minors continued: his next stop was Altoona. His Saturday night appearance sold out, drawing a park record 10,164 fans. Paul had a rough outing, giving up three hits, two walks, and four runs (the last two came home with a reliever on the hill) with a pair of K. But the rooters got their money's worth; the Curve walked off a 9-8 victory over Akron. Ben Cherington said on his radio show the next day that Skenes would spend the rest of the campaign in the minors; we assume the plan is for some Altoona time followed by Indy work; their season ends on 9/24, a week later than the Curve's.
• The Giants signed 1B Yoshi Tsutsugo after he opted out of deal with the Rangers and went to the indie leagues for a few weeks. He hit .212 w/10 HR for the Pirates in 93 games from 2021-22.
• C/1B Zack Collins, who got into 10 games with the Bucs last year during a first base audition, was DFA'ed by the Cleveland Guardians.