Game: Brewers (32-45) at Pirates (48-30)
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Site: PNC Park
TV, radio: Root Sports, KDKA-FM 93.7
Weather: 76 and partly sunny
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The Pirates optioned Tony Sanchez to Class AAA Indianapolis today and recalled Josh Harrison from Indianapolis. Sanchez went 2 for 8 with a double in two games in American League parks. The Pirates likely wanted more versatility on defense now that they no longer have the DH. Sanchez could be back soon if the Pirates decided he's a better option than Michael McKenry.
The Pirates also made the signing of Austin Meadows official. There is a press conference at 4 p.m. today, and we will have more at that time.
No bat vs. pitch data today. Gerrit Cole hasn't faced the Brewers and Jonny Hellweg is making his major league debut. Hellweg was the other guy in the Jean Segura-Zack Greinke trade. He's 6-foot-9. This year in triple-A Nashville, he walked about as many batters as he struck out. He has a career 6.2 BB/9 rate.
Lineups
Pirates
1. Starling Marte LF
2. Russell Martin C
3. Andrew McCutchen CF
4. Garrett Jones 1B
5. Pedro Alvarez 3B
6. Neil Walker 2B
7. Travis Snider RF
8. Jordy Mercer SS
9. Gerrit Cole RHP
Here are a few of the newsier item from Clint Hurdle’s pregame session with reporters:
*Injured pitcher Wandy Rodriguez’s bullpen session was pushed back until tomorrow because pitching coach Ray Searage had to attend to some personal matters and will not rejoin the team until later tonight.
*Hurdle also said A.J. Burnett, the other injured starting pitcher, is also scheduled to throw a bullpen session tomorrow.
*Jose Tabata continues his rehab assignment at Indianapolis. He played Thursday night and was scheduled to play again tonight.
“He’s stung the ball,” Hurdle said. “He’s played right and left field. I’ve asked to get him in motion [on the base paths]. He’s made a lot of progress. Physically, he seems to be in a good place. No setbacks and he’s pushing to do more.”
*On the decision to demote Tony Sanchez to Indianapolis and recall Josh Harrison: “We didn’t feel the need to have a third catcher. We thought we’d bring Josh’s versatility in. [Alex] Presley [was optioned] in Cincinnati. He’s unable to be recalled. There’s a 10-day window before you can get that player [back]. We’ve tried to work somewhat of a line to keep them in play when they can add certain series more than others. [Harrison] might work on the back end of this one. There are two left-handed starters coming in from Philadelphia.”
First Published: March 24, 2016, 5:14 p.m.
