The Pirates were embarrassed by the Cubs last night, as Mitch Keller was hit hard and Domingo Germán fell apart pitching in relief. Joe Block has the story.
Manager Derek Shelton says the Cubs manhandled the Bucs.
Shelton says Keller had good stuff, but was just a bit off.
Keller was puzzled by his outing because he was coming off a dominant performance his last time out and seemed to be “on”.
Game two of the series is tonight. Jared Jones returns from the injured list to pitch for the first time since July 3rd, when he suffered a grade 2 lat strain. Jones is 5-6 with a 3.56 ERA. He’ll face Cubs lefty Justin Steele [4-5, 3.07 ERA]. Airtime is 6:15, first pitch at 6:40 on WCCS.
The Pirates made a bunch of moves yesterday, none bigger than announcing that shortstop Oneal Cruz will become a centerfielder. Cruz was the designated hitter last night and went 1-for-4. Isiah Kiner-Falefa played shortstop.
At a news conference, general manager Ben Cherington said Cruz has a lot to offer as an outfielder.
Cherington says there is a big difference between playing centerfield and shortstop, and Cruz will have to learn the position.
Shelton says Cruz is a unique, elite athlete, and the position change will help the ballclub.
Shelton says Cruz has worked hard on his play at shortstop, and he expects the same dedication in centerfield.
The Pirates also activated second baseman Nick Gonzalez from the injured list and he was 2-for-4. Catcher Henry Davis was recalled as well when Joey Bart was placed on the 10-day injured list with a bad hamstring. Davis pinch hit and was 0-for-1.
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