Jared Jones was shaky at the start of the game but steadied himself and led the Pirates to a win and a series split yesterday against the Nationals. Joe Block has the recap.
Manager Derek Shelton loved watching Jared Jones settle in.
Billy Cook hit a grand slam for Indianapolis on Saturday night in Toledo, Ohio, and was recalled to Pittsburgh Sunday…and he drove to the game, arriving in time to start at first base and get two hits. Shelton says it was a special day for Cook, who was acquired in a minor league deal with Baltimore at the trade deadline.
Jones retired the last 16 batters he faced after giving up a run in each of the first two innings. He says he finally settled in in the third inning.
The Pirates welcome the Miami Marlins to PNC Park tonight. Rookie sensation Paul Skenes [9-2, 2.13 ERA] starts for the Bucs against the Marlins’ righty Valente Bellozo [2-2, 3.78 ERA]. 6:15 airtime, 6:40 first pitch on WCCS.)
INJURIES
Catcher Henry Davis was placed on the injured list with his recurring left hand injury. Shelton said inflammation in the hand is preventing Davis from getting regular batting practice.
In other injury news, catcher Endy Rodriguez will be added to the Altoona roster in time to start the Curve’s final six-game series of the season tomorrow. Rodriguez has been playing some first base and designated hitter in Bradenton as he continues his season-long recovery from Tommy John surgery, and general manager Ben Cherington said yesterday that he will be doing some catching for the Curve this week.
CUTCH GOES LONG
Andrew McCutchen hit his 19th home run of the season yesterday. If he can get one more, it would be his 8th season of 20 or more homers in a Pirates uniform, which is second behind Willie Stargell’s 14. Cutch is tied with Ralph Kiner, at seven seasons hitting 20 or more. He’s fourth all-time in Pirates home runs, behind Stargell, Kiner, and Roberto Clemente, whom he trails by six long balls.
ALTOONA
Altoona outslugged Hartford, 9-5 yesterday behind home runs by Nick Cimillo and Jase Bowen, and three hits by Tres Gonzalez.
For the opening game of the final series against Richmond, Altoona will start Po-Yu Chen tomorrow.
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