Author: mattbandi

Andrew McCutchen is returning to the lineup today, one week after injuring his shoulder making a diving catch.

Padres: J. Hairston 2B, Denorfia CF, Gonzalez 1B, Headley 3B, Torrealba RF, Venable RF, S. Hairston LF, Cabrera SS, LeBlanc P Pirates: McCutchenCF, Tabata LF, Walker 2B, Jones 1B, Alvarez 3B, Milledge RF, Cedeno SS, Kratz C, Lincoln P

Padres: J. Hairston 2B, Denorfia CF, Gonzalez 1B, Headley 3B, Stairs RF, Venable LF, Hundley C, Cabrera SS, Latos P Pirates: Tabata CF, Young RF, Walker 2B, Jones 1B, Alvarez 3B, Milledge LF, Cedeno SS, Jaramillo C, Karstens P

Pitching prospect Bryan Morris, who had struggled in his previous few appearances, skipped his scheduled start this week to rest his arm. Morris has pitched 103 innings this season, already surpassing his 2009 total of 72.2 innings. In a separate move, Tony Watson will replace Jared Hughes in the Altoona starting rotation.

Probable Pitchers Friday, July 23rd - 7:05 PM: RHP Kevin Correia vs. LHP Paul Maholm Saturday, July 24th - 7:05 PM: RHP Mat Latos vs. RHP Jeff Karstens Sunday, July 25th - 1:35 PM: LHP Wade LeBlanc vs. RHP Brad Lincoln

At the end of June, I noted a change in the swing of Pedro Alvarez. Upon his promotion to Pittsburgh, Alvarez began using a much higher leg kick than he had during his successful stint in Triple-A. At the time that the article was published, Alvarez was hitting a paltry .152/.216/.196 with 22 strikeouts in 51 plate appearances. Since that day, he is producing a scorching .339/.406/.742 clip with 7 home runs in 69 plate appearances. Did he make a mechanical adjustment?

The Pirates have placed catcher Ryan Doumit on the disabled list due to a concussion he sustained in a collision last night. Jason Jaramillo was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to replace Doumit on the roster.

As you may know, the previously meek Pirates' bats have exploded out of the All-Star break. To properly present the dramatic improvement in such a short period of time, I plotted the team’s 2010 daily runs scored onto the following graph. I included a trend line that indicates a moving five-game average run total. Enjoy.

Pitching prospect Quinton Miller, previously on a rehab assignment with short-season State College, has been added to the roster of Single-A West Virginia.

The Pirates’ starting rotation has been awful in 2010. They rank 29th out of 30 teams in ERA, 30th in FIP, 29th in xFIP, 30th in innings and 30th in strikeouts. From Charlie Morton’s implosions to Chris Jakubauskas’ one scary inning, it has been a tough year to be in the Bucs’ rotation. Let’s take a deeper look, in graphical form.

Ryan Doumit is out of the lineup tonight after a foul tip struck his mask in last night's game. Erik Kratz will start in his place. Doumit may be available to pinch-hit.

Brian Friday is back with Triple-A Indianapolis after a rehab assignment. Friday has been out with a sprained ankle that he sustained on June 9th.