PNC Park – The Pittsburgh Pirates (51 – 30) start the second half of the season tonight against their cross-state rival, The Philadelphia Phillies (39 – 44). Brandon Cumpton (0 – 0, 3.60 ERA) will make a spot-start against Jonathan Pettibone (3 – 3, 4.17 ERA).
Leading-off
Cumpton will make his third start of the season tonight because of the length of Sunday’s game against Milwaukee. Hurdle had Jeff Locke warming in the pen had that game gone to a 15th inning. That cause Locke to be scratched from his start today. Either he or Jeanmar Gomez could start tomorrow.
Hurdle’s Quotes
On A.J. Burnett’s simulated game – “We had Barmes, Sanchez and Snider hitting off of him. (He was) moving some balls around and covering first – Getting as much activity as we can in.”
“We had him throw 15 pitches, initially and then back-to-back innings after that where the first one ran more than the initial where it could be as many as 50 pitches and as light as 40, but that’s as much as you’d want him to throw because he threw 35-40 warming up.” (From what hurdle said, Burnett threw around 100 pitches)
On Vin Mazzaro’s perfect outing in relief during the 14 inning game – “The guy pitched five perfect innings and I think he did it in 44 pitches. The number of guys he retired on three pitches or less (6), a couple of three ball counts. It was as efficient as five innings as I’ve seen pitched….ever, quick outs, very good.”
Other Notes
— The Pirates coaching staff will meet with A.J. Burnett after today’s simulated game to determine the next step for him in his rehab.
— Jose Tabata’s rehab has been going as well as planned in AAA Indianapolis. He could be taken off the DL as early as tomorrow when Brandon Cumpton is sent back to Indy. Alex Presley could be another option to come up.
— The Pirates 17 – 9 record in the month of June was tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the best record for the month. They have now gone 15 – 12 in April, 19 – 9 in May and 17 – 9 in June making this the first time the Pirates have won at least 15 games in its first three months since….wait for it….1991.
First pitch is set for 7:05.
Follow Travis for Pirates news and in-game updates on Twitter @TBerardi_OVA or @ovathletics
(Photo Credit: John Heller / PG)
