For in depth coverage of the previous day’s action, check out our daily wrap-up which can be found here. On the schedule today is 2009 4th round draft pick, Zack Dodson making his debut for West Virginia. Joe Beimel will make a rehab appearance for Bradenton, which also has Chris Snyder who went 2-3 last night, and Brad Lincoln, who is due to make a rehab start for the Marauders on Sunday. Jeff Locke is the highest rated prospect making a start for the system today. Pirates Prospects had him ranked 8th overall in our 2011 prospect guide.
If you didn’t check out the minor leagues previews for all four full season teams yet, you can view them here.
AAA: Indianapolis (0-1) VS Columbus (1-0) 7:15pm
Probable starter: Sean Gallagher ( 2-1 6.03 last year with the Pirates over 31 games)
Game notes: Gallagher pitched strictly in relief last year but the Pirates decided to stretch him out in winter ball and use him as a starter this year. Gorkys Hernandez had a 2 run triple and 2 walks but Indy lost their opener 4-3.
AA: Altoona (0-1) @ Erie (1-0) 6:35pm
Probable starter: Jeff Locke (3-2 3.59 last year for Altoona)
Game notes: 8th ranked prospect Jeff Locke gets his first start of the year. The lefty split last year between Bradenton and Altoona and struck out 139 batters on the season. Quincy Latimore had 2 doubles and 2 RBI’s in the opening day loss yesterday. Bryan Morris gave up 2 earned runs in 4.1 IP and got a no decision.
High-A: Bradenton (0-1) VS Charlotte (1-0) 6:30pm
Probable starter: Joe Beimel (1-2 3.40 in 71 games last year for the Colorado Rockies)
Game notes: Beimel is on a rehab assignment and will likely pitch just the 1st inning of the game. The regular #2 starter will likely take over for him and get in his normal work. As of now that player has not been announced. Bradenton lost the opener 3-2 with Duke Welker giving up 2 runs in the 9th. David Rubenstein had 2 hits.
Low-A: West Virginia (0-1) VS Savannah (1-0) 7:05pm
Probable starter: Zack Dodson ( 2-6 4.84 last year for State College)
Game notes: Ranked 30th overall by Pirates Prospects, lefty Zack Dodson gets his first start in full season ball after being drafted in the 4th round by the Pirates in 2009. The Power lost 8-0 on opening day with Brandon Cumpton (4 IP 7 ER) taking the loss. Kevin Decker pitched 3 scoreless innings in relief.
The West Virginia game for tonight has been postponed and will be made up tomorrow as part of a doubleheader beginning at 6pm
Altoona Lineup: (same as yesterday)
2B Holt
CF Marte
SS Mercer
C Sanchez
1B Durham
LF Latimore
3B Farrell
DH Fryer
RF Chalk
Bradenton Lineup: (same as yesterday)
RF Grossman
2B Cunningham
CF Chambers
C Snyder
DH Anderson
LF Rubinstein
1B White
3B E. Gonzalez
SS B. Gonzalez
Indianapolis Lineup:
LF Hernandez
SS Ciriaco
RF Presley
DH Marte
2B d’Arnaud
1B Hague
3B Friday
CF Wimberly
C Brown