Good morning from McKechnie field. Today should make for an interesting game if these weather conditions keep up. It’s like a monsoon in Bradenton right now. Chilly, rainy, extremely strong winds. Let’s just say I’m happy to be in the Press Box and not on the field this afternoon.
- Pirates lineup vs. Toronto:
Alex Presley 7
Nate McLouth 9
Andrew McCutchen 8
Rod Barajas 2
Garrett Jones 3
Pedro Alvarez 5 Matt Hague DH
Matt Hague DH Pedro Alvarez 5
Chase d’Arnaud 4
Anderson Hernandez 6
Eric Bedard LHP
* Alvarez and Hague were switched in the lineup due to the lefty pitcher Laffey on the mound.
- Bedard (2 innings) will make not only his spring training debut, but also his Pirates debut this afternoon. The lefty was signed to a one-year deal over the offseason. Bedard will face fellow south paw Aaron Laffey for the Blue Jays. Monday will be Bedard’s 33rd birthday.
- Following Bedard in relief are: Doug Slaten, Daniel Moskos, Joel Hanrahan, Evan Meek, Jason Grilli, Shairon Martis (2).. Both Tim Wood and Duke Welker are backup arms.
- Extras off the bench for the buccos today: Jeff Clement, Gorkys Hernandez, Starling Marte, Jordy Mercer, Yamaico Navarro, Jake Fox, Tony Sanchez, Robbie Grossman, Ramon Cabrera
- Josh Harrison, who was hit in the left elbow by a pitch in yesterday’s 7-1 loss, was scratched from the extras today. I’ll have an update later on Harrison today when I hear more from Manager Clint Hurdle.
- Right-hander Charlie Morton threw his second live batting practice yesterday at McKechnie Field. He said he threw 40 pitches in the BP. Morton said his next outing should be in the “B” game on Wednesday at Pirate City.
- Pitchers throwing sides today include: Daniel Cabrera, Kevin Correia, Jeff Karstens, Rudy Owens, Gerrit Cole, Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson.
- Monday the Pirates will play the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota at 7:05 PM. Jo-Jo Reyes will start for the Bucs against the O’s Brian Matusz. Following Reyes in relief are Justin Wilson, Jared Hughes, Duke Welker, Bryan Morris, Mike Crotta and Tim Wood.
