Text Size:
A|
A|
A
Email
PrintWASHINGTON -- Hoping to settle Tom Gorzelanny's cranky back, as well as his shaky command, the Pirates decided yesterday to have him skip a turn in the rotation.
He had been scheduled to pitch Tuesday and now will pitch Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, giving him nine days off the mound.
Because of the team's off day tomorrow, the other starters will pitch with their usual four days' rest, Zach Duke Tuesday, then Phil Dumatrait, Paul Maholm and Ian Snell.
INDIANAPOLIS (15-15) lost at Norfolk, 9-7. RHP Bryan Bullington (0-5, 8.04) allowed eight runs, six earned, and eight hits in four innings. He struck out four and walked one. RHP Jesse Chavez (1.40) pitched two perfect innings of relief and struck out two. CF Andrew McCutchen (.304) extended his streak of reaching base safely to 25 games by going 2 for 4 with a walk and two steals. 3B Neil Walker (.190) hit his third home run, a two-run shot, and went 1 for 5. RF Steve Pearce (.250) went 2 for 5.
ALTOONA (11-16) had its doubleheader with Erie rained out.
LYNCHBURG (12-17) lost to Kinston, 6-3. LHP Danny Moskos (2-1, 4.55) allowed three runs, two earned, and two hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked two. 1B Kent Sakomoto (.276) hit his second home run and went 3 for 4. C Steve Lerud (.258) hit his fifth home run and went 2 for 4. RF Jamie Romak (.333) hit his first home run and went 1 for 4.
HICKORY (15-15) lost to Charleston, 8-2. RHP Dustin Molleken (2-2, 4.68) allowed six runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. CF Marcus Davis (.260) hit his fifth home run and went 1 for 3.
"If Tom had to pitch Tuesday, he could," manager John Russell said. "We just want to make sure this isn't something that lingers for months, so we'll give him a few extra days to feel better and to get some work on the side."
Gorzelanny felt a tightening in his lower back Wednesday in New York, the second such flare-up of the season, the other coming April 13.
The injury was limited to the muscles, Russell said, and that has improved. Still, Gorzelanny's scheduled side session was scrapped in favor of light throwing Friday. And, after management initially contemplated pushing back the next start just one day, it was decided to skip a full turn.
The secondary reason, as Russell suggested, was to give Gorzelanny extra time with pitching coach Jeff Andrews: He has walked 27 batters in as many innings, 12 in the past two starts.
Wilson delayed, too
Shortstop Jack Wilson's setback Friday -- his left calf was re-injured while playing defense early in an extended spring game in Fort Myers, Fla. -- means he cannot rejoin the Pirates until next weekend at the earliest, Russell said yesterday.
Wilson was to begin a rehabilitation stint yesterday at Class AA Altoona, but he remained in Florida, where he will be evaluated today.
"We're hoping it's not a major setback," Russell said. "We don't think it is, but we don't know for sure."
Nady beaned again
Right fielder Xavier Nady was beaned -- second time in eight months -- in the first inning yesterday by a 90-mph fastball from Washington's Matt Chico, but it did not hit squarely. After a brief check from the athletic trainers, Nady remained in the game and went 3 for 4.
He said afterward he had a "boomer of a headache," but added that this was not comparable to a Sept. 3 beaning in St. Louis that caused a concussion.
"Same spot, but this one glanced off," Nady said.
Buried treasure
• Chris Gomez committed two errors, raising the Pirates' total to 32, including 11 by the three shortstops who have replaced Wilson.
• Pirates owner Bob Nutting attended the game, his first at the new Nationals Park, and said he was "very impressed" with the facility.
• Sean Gibson, great-grandson of Negro Leagues giant Josh Gibson of the Pittsburgh Crawfords, threw the ceremonial first pitch as part of a tribute to the Homestead Grays that included each team wearing the uniform.
