Andrew McCutchen provided the offense for the Pirates on Sunday, but the bullpen couldn’t get the job done in an extra-inning loss to the Dodgers.
Here’s Joe Block. (6-5 – 10 innings.)
The Pirates are 8-13 since the All-Star break and have fallen to last place in the NL Central. They have another tough challenge ahead of them when they open a three-game series against the San Diego Padres tonight at Petco Park. The Pirates haven’t announced a starter for tonight’s game. Meanwhile, former Bucco Joe Musgrove will start for the Padres. He’s 3-4 with a 5.56 ERA this season.
You’ll hear tonight’s game starting at 9:15 on WCCS. First pitch is 9:40.
One person who has not lost confidence in the Pirates’ postseason chances is General Manager Ben Cherington. The Bucs’ GM commented on the team’s goals for the rest of the season yesterday on his weekly radio show on WCCS, saying they “still believe it’s possible we can put ourselves in October.”
He also provided updates on several injured Pirates. Catcher Endy Rodriguez could appear on a minor league affiliate before the season ends barring any setbacks, as he recovers from Tommy John Surgery. Pitcher Jared Jones will make another rehab start with Indianapolis Wednesday afternoon as he works his way back from a right lat strain.
Reliever Carmen Mlodzinski will throw a bullpen session over the next few days as he continues his return from a right shoulder strain, and Nick Gonzales will partake in baserunning progression drills as rehabs a groin injury.
ALTOONA CURVE
Altoona capped off an ugly road trip to Portland with a 9-8 loss to the Sea Dogs.
The Curve fought back after trailing early in the game to take a 6-3 lead after four, but Portland scored four times in the seventh and one in the eighth to take the lead for good. Kervin Pichardo was 3-for-3 with a home run, a double and five RBIs in the game. Jase Bowen added a home run while Matt Frazier collected two hits including a double.
The Curve return home tomorrow night to open a six-game series with Bowie.
Comments