PITTSBURGH — Michael McKenry, who was once the Pirates starting catcher when Ryan Doumit was injured, hasn’t been getting many opportunities behind the plate as of late. Not since September 17th has McKenry gotten a start and just seven this month.
Manager Clint Hurdle confirmed today that McKenry isn’t hurt, that he’s just getting better looks at Jason Jaramillo and Matt Pagnozzi.
“I talked with all the guys on the bench,“ Hurdle said. “I’ve seen McKenry play. I’ve got a good feel for him. I told him the spots I might have open I’d plug in JJ and Pagnozzi to get looks at them.”
Jaramillo will get the start tonight in game two against the Cincinnati Reds. Since being recalled from Triple-A on September 1st, Jaramillo has gone 5-for-15 (.333 avg) with three RBI.
“He’s done a nice job since he’s been here,“ Hurdle said. “He’s been involved, engaged, worked hard.”
Doumit was originally scheduled to start tonight with right-hander Brad Lincoln on the mound, but Hurdle decided to give him a breather. Doumit will catch Sunday, the last game of the season at PNC Park, with James McDonald on the bump.
“Doumit was scheduled to play tonight but we’re backing away from him because of all the foul balls he’s taken just to give him a breather,“ Hurdle said. “I want to at least give him the honor of going out and playing in front of the last largest crowd of the season.”
Photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
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