2016 Pittsburgh Pirates

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</figcaption></figure><section class="content article-bottom cf" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Chris Adamski / Special to MLB.com | July 24th, 2016 <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
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PITTSBURGH -- During his first month in the Major Leagues, Adam Frazier has impressed. Power, however, is not an area the Pirates' super-utility player in which has excelled.
That's what made Frazier's long pinch-hit homer that accounted for the winning run Sunday so unlikely.


Frazier led off the seventh inning with a 407-foot home run -- his first in the Major Leagues -- to right to give the Pirates the lead for good in a 5-4 victory over the Phillies.
Frazier has batted .359 through his first 21 Major League games, but he had hit only three home runs in 1,354 Minor League at-bats.

"I've seen him hit balls farther than you'd think he could hit them," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "He can hit a baseball, and when it's elevated and he puts a good swing on it, it can travel a little bit."

That's what happened when Frazier turned on a 95-mph fastball from Edubray Ramos and lifted it well up into the seats in right field above the 21-foot wall at PNC Park.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>The 5-foot, 10-inch Frazier has loomed large for the Pirates since making his Major League debut exactly one month before his first home run. An Athens, Ga., native and graduate of Oconee County High School, Frazier was a sixth-round pick of the Pirates in 2013 out of Mississippi State.

On a team with established starters at all everyday positions and a deep and experienced bench, Frazier has had to stand out to find a way to make an impression, earn a role on the team and stay in the Majors.

He's done that via versatility both in the field -- he's already played right field and second and third base -- and on offense -- he's started five games, pinch hit in six and stolen three bases as a pinch-runner. Fraizer's production, too, has helped; he's batting .359/.405/.590 in 39 at-bats.

"When my number is called, I try to go in there and contribute," Frazier said. "Situations dictate who is going in and who may go in later. I'm just trying to get a feel for that, and I think it's starting to click."

Although Frazier was never on any Top Prospect lists, the Pirates have had a recent history of developing players who break in via a utility role but become productive regulars -- Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer and Brock Holt.

"It ultimately is about opportunities to make and help the Major League team," general manager Neal Huntington said.

Hurdle has shown a confidence in Frazier by turning to him in high-leverage situations late in close games.

"I just look at Adam, and I have the confidence that he's been around," Hurdle said. "Not just in our Minor League system; he's played global baseball [for team USA's national collegiate team] ...
"That's the reason we brought him up. The other part of what we share with the guys is, 'Here's your role that we envision for you coming up. When that doorbell gets rung, you're going to be the guy.'"

Chris Adamski is a contributor to MLB.com based in Pittsburgh. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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That Frazier Kid is the real deal by the way.....

 

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<figure class="poster first-image" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: mlb_primary; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 729px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
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Felix Hernandez takes the mound on Tuesday when the Mariners open a two-game set against the Pirates at PNC Park. It marks Hernandez's second start since missing nearly two months due to a right calf injury.

Hernandez allowed five earned runs on 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings while striking out two and walking two in his first start back from the injury last Wednesday against the White Sox.


The Pirates will counter with Francisco Liriano. The 32-year-old lefty surrendered three runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out a season-high 13 in a win over the Brewers last Thursday.

Things to know about this game

• Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez was a late scratch from Sunday's series finale against the Blue Jays due to a neck injury and may return Tuesday.

• Pirates first baseman John Jaso is hitting .278 (5-for-18) with two doubles and two RBIs against Hernandez.

• Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz has reached base safely in seven consecutive games.

Dhiren Mahiban is a contributor to MLB.com based in Toronto. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs

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Glasnow named No. 1 Pirates prospect

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<figure class="poster first-image" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: mlb_primary; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 729px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates' deep and talented farm system is well-represented on MLBPipeline.com's latest Top 100 Prospects list.
Pittsburgh placed six prospects on MLBPipeline.com's midseason list, second to only Houston's seven, and totaled more Prospect Points (383) than any other organization. It's a testament to the high-end potential of the Pirates' best prospects -- several of whom made their big league debut in the first half -- but also the depth of the Bucs' player development system.


"Anytime you have a bunch of players that are up on prospect lists or you have players that come up and help your Major League team compete and win, it's a credit to your scouting department," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said. "Then our development staff, whether it's our coaches or performance team, it's a credit to them continuing to develop players -- scouting, signing and developing quality players. That's a very positive sign for our organization as we look toward the future."

The ranking of baseball's top prospects is done by MLBPipeline.com Draft and prospect experts Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis and Mike Rosenbaum, who compile input from industry sources, including scouts and scouting directors. The ranking is based on analysis of players' skill sets, upsides, proximity to the Majors and potential immediate impact to their team. Only players with rookie status are eligible for the list. The rankings follow the Collective Bargaining Agreement guidelines for which players fall under the international pool money rules: Players who were at least 23 years old when they signed and played in leagues deemed to be professional (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Cuba) are not eligible.
Right-hander Tyler Glasnow remains the Pirates' top prospect and the 10th-ranked prospect overall. Outfielder Austin Meadows jumped from Double-A Altoona to Triple-A Indianapolis and he rose from No. 20 to No. 12.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>First baseman Josh Bell, who electrified Pittsburgh in his brief callup before the All-Star break, leaped from No. 49 to No. 29. And Jameson Taillon, quickly putting two years of injury rehab behind him, climbed from No. 54 to No. 30.

"I'm not sure you could have a better introduction to the Major Leagues than Josh had. Another guy with tremendous poise and confidence," Huntington said. "Just like Jameson, he looks like a Major Leaguer."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">.</figcaption></figure>Newman jumped up six spots on the Pirates' Top 30 Prospects list and skyrocketed from unranked to 53rd overall. A first-round Draft pick last year, Newman has hit .321/.377/.418 with more walks (13) than strikeouts (12) since his promotion to Double-A.

"To be one of the more productive players in his time in Double-A his first full season out is remarkable," Huntington said.

<iframe src="http://www.milb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=962469083&width=600&height=388&property=milb" allowfullscreen="true" width="600" height="388" frameborder="0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"></iframe>​

Keller made a similar ascent, from 14th to sixth and unranked to 89th. The 20-year-old right-hander is 6-5 with a 2.86 ERA and 100 strikeouts to 14 walks in 97 2/3 innings for Class A West Virginia this season.

"Health and maturation," Huntington said. "He's starting to mature physically and mentally and has put some nice things together in Charleston."

Rounding out the Pirates' top 10 prospects are third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, catcher Reese McGuire, outfielder Harold Ramirez and right-hander Chad Kuhl, who moved up six spots in the latest rankings.

First-round Draft pick Will Craig ranks 12th in the Pirates' system. Other new entries include lefty Brandon Waddell (No. 25), right-hander Tyler Eppler (No. 27), reliever and Futures Game selection Dovydas Neverauskas (No. 28) and outfielder Tito Polo (No. 30).

Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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[bounceback]

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Beat reporter Adam Berry answers questions from Pirates fans
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</figcaption></figure><section class="content article-bottom cf" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry / MLB.com | @adamdberry | July 28th, 2016 <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
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PITTSBURGH -- Welcome to a special Trade Deadline edition of the Inbox.
While Pirates officials consider their options inside their PNC Park offices, let's talk about what Pittsburgh should, could and might do before Monday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline.


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27 Jul
Adam Berry
✔@adamdberry

Hi, everybody. Do you have Pirates questions? A special Trade Deadline Inbox is open. Tweet away or submit 'em here:http://atmlb.com/2aheHvx

​

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Randy Slack @Slackamania

@adamdberry Is it even worth it? Pirates should stand pat.
12:26 PM - 27 Jul 2016
​

</twitterwidget>Interesting place to start this discussion. On one hand, maybe not.
Why hurt the depth of the farm system to add a piece when the best-case scenario might still be a spot in the National League Wild Card Game? Why change the current roster when you're playing well and pushing for the postseason?

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On the other hand: This year's Deadline is not strictly about the final two months of the season. In that sense, it should either yield an impactful move or nothing at all.
General manager Neal Huntington has said that the Pirates plan to be buyers, and that's the sense throughout the industry. Pittsburgh is looking for pitching, specifically starters, as the current rotation continues to struggle.
Yes, the Pirates have prospects on the way. But a proven big league pitcher would bolster a rotation that features Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon and a bunch of question marks -- and won't hurt down the road, either.
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27 Jul
Adam Berry
✔@adamdberry

Hi, everybody. Do you have Pirates questions? A special Trade Deadline Inbox is open. Tweet away or submit 'em here:http://atmlb.com/2aheHvx

​

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Chris Smith @Smitters6789

@adamdberry if the Pirates decide to go after a pitcher at the deadline, what low cost pitcher would they target?
12:25 PM - 27 Jul 2016
​

</twitterwidget>The operative adjective here might not be low-cost, but cost-controlled.

Why bother getting a back-end rental starter when you have Jonathon Niese and Jeff Locke in the bullpen and Ryan Vogelsong coming back? Not to mention the prospects in the Minors: Chad Kuhl, Steven Brault and Trevor Williams. As Huntington has said, those pitchers allow the Pirates to set a higher bar.

Who might Pittsburgh target? You can dream big -- the Bucs had two officials at a recentChris Archer start -- but let's be more realistic. Pittsburgh has scouted Tampa Bay's Matt Moore and Jake Odorizzi, though it's unclear if the Rays are willing to trade either.
Who else fits the bill? Perhaps Angels starters Matt Shoemaker and Hector Santiago and Yankees starter Nathan Eovaldi, to name a few. The Pirates could even try to buy low on D-backs righty Shelby Miller.

But in a sellers' market, are any of those pitchers -- none of them are having a particularly good season -- worth the high price?

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27 Jul
Adam Berry
✔@adamdberry

Hi, everybody. Do you have Pirates questions? A special Trade Deadline Inbox is open. Tweet away or submit 'em here:http://atmlb.com/2aheHvx

​

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Alan GIfford @algiff

@adamdberry IF there was a trade that was Melancon for a good starter maybe a #2 would we gain or lose this year
12:26 PM - 27 Jul 2016
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</twitterwidget>You won't get a No. 2 starter for two months of a closer, but in a vacuum, there's some merit to the idea of trading Mark Melancon. Did you see the Yankees' return for two months ofAroldis Chapman? It's hard to argue with that.

Maybe the clubs that couldn't reel in Chapman would bite on the Shark, Melancon. The Giants would be interested if Melancon becomes available, and the Nationals seem like a logical fit given their pursuit of Chapman.

Tony Watson or Neftali Feliz could close out games. However, moving Melancon would damage Pittsburgh's bullpen depth -- and the Bucs need all of it, considering the innings they've had to pick up.

The negative effect on the clubhouse would be harder to calculate, especially if the Pirates were to maintain that they're competing for a postseason spot.

With Austin Meadows already in Triple-A, and blocked from a starting role for the next few years (at least), could you see the Pirates dealing him for an arm this year?
-- Sam C., Anchorage, Alaska
Good question, especially after Ken Rosenthal reported the Rays listed Tyler Glasnow and Meadows as the asking price for Archer.

Simply put, I don't see it unless the return is someone like Chris Sale, a bona-fide ace under an affordable long-term contract. Meadows could become a fixture in the Pirates' outfield within the next few years, the long-term replacement for Andrew McCutchen.

And no, I wouldn't trade McCutchen to make room for Meadows, either.
Do you think the Pirates will trade John Jaso to make room for Josh Bell?
--Tera W., Butler, Pa.

This represents a flaw in the binary "buyers or sellers?" debate. What do you call trading a Major League regular to address a Major League weakness?
If Jaso would help the Pirates bring in a quality starter or another reliever, they'd have to at least consider moving him and moving on to Bell as the full-time first baseman -- defensive shortcomings and all.

Jaso is slumping at the plate, so why might teams be interested? He's highly regarded for his patient approach. He's turned out to be a solid first baseman, and he's under an affordable two-year, $8 million contract.

Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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CENTRAL	W	L	PCT	GB	HOME	ROAD	RS	RA	DIFF	STRK	L10
Chicago Cubs	61	40	.604	-	32-16	29-24	509	354	+155	W2	6-4
St. Louis Cardinals	55	47	.539	6.5	25-30	30-17	518	422	+96	W2	7-3
Pittsburgh Pirates	52	48	.520	8.5	29-23	23-25	465	462	+3	W1	6-4
Milwaukee Brewers	44	56	.440	16.5	27-25	17-31	405	468	-63	W1	5-5
Cincinnati Reds	40	61	.396	21	24-28	16-33	437	580	-143	W1	7-3

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[h=2]National League[/h]

	W	L	PCT	GB	HOME	ROAD	RS	RA	DIFF	STRK	L10
Los Angeles Dodgers	57	45	.559	+2	31-19	26-26	439	376	+63	L1	5-5
St. Louis Cardinals	55	47	.539	-	25-30	30-17	518	422	+96	W2	7-3
Miami Marlins	55	47	.539	-	27-23	28-24	429	414	+15	L1	5-5
New York Mets	53	48	.525	1.5	27-23	26-25	372	355	+17	L2	4-6
Pittsburgh Pirates	52	48	.520	2	29-23	23-25	465	462	+3	W1	6-4
Colorado Rockies	50	52	.490	5	25-24	25-28	519	519	0	W3	7-3
Philadelphia Phillies	47	57	.452	9	23-28	24-29	369	475	-106	W1	4-6
Milwaukee Brewers	44	56	.440	10	27-25	17-31	405	468	-63	W1	5-5
San Diego Padres	44	58	.431	11	23-25	21-33	453	501	-48	W1	3-7
Arizona Diamondbacks	42	60	.412	13	17-35	25-25	452	533	-81	L1	3-7
Cincinnati Reds	40	61	.396	14.5	24-28	16-33	437	580	-143	W1	7-3
Atlanta Braves	35	67	.343	20	14-37	21-30	351	487	-136	L1	3-7

<colgroup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(220, 221, 223);"></colgroup><colgroup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col class="sorted" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(220, 221, 223); background: rgba(170, 170, 170, 0.117647);"></colgroup><colgroup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(220, 221, 223);"></colgroup><colgroup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(220, 221, 223);"></colgroup><colgroup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box;"><col style="box-sizing: border-box; border-right-width: 0px;"></colgroup><thead class="standings-categories" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
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[bounceback]

[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Brault to make 2nd big league start in opener vs. Crew

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<figure class="poster first-image" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: mlb_primary; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 729px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure><section class="content article-bottom cf" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Sarah K. Spencer / MLB.com | July 28th, 2016 <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
3 COMMENTS</button>
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Over the past two seasons, Miller Park has not been kind to the Pirates. They will try to change that in a three-game series against the Brewers beginning Friday night.
From 2014-15, the Crew won 13 of the 18 games the two teams played in Milwaukee.


Steven Brault is expected to be called up from Triple-A Indianapolis and start for the Pirates, as injuries and off-days have thrown off the rotation and opened up a spot start.
Brault made his Major League debut on July 5 against the Cardinals, allowing one earned run on four hits in four innings.

Junior Guerra will start for the Brewers, coming off a 6 1/3-inning outing against the Cubs during which he allowed one unearned run on five hits. Guerra has walked 12 batters in four July starts and his 2.85 ERA ranks first among all National League rookie starters.

Things to know about this game

• Entering Friday, Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun ranks fifth in the National League with a batting average of .321. Braun was absent from the Crew's lineup on Thursday with right side tightness. Manager Craig Counsell said he would check with Braun on Friday and called him "day to day."

• Only the Cardinals and Nationals (10 each) have hit more pinch-hit home runs than the Pirates (six) this season.

• Milwaukee's Jonathan Villar and Pittsburgh's Starling Marte, with 36 stolen bases each, continue to exchange the lead or tie for the most in the National League.

Sarah K. Spencer is a reporter for MLB.com based in Pittsburgh. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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[bounceback]

Gotta take 2 outta 3 in Milwaukee..........lets go bucs!

 

[thekeyman]

Mark Melancon has been traded to the Washington Nationals for reliever Felipe Rivera,pitching prospect Taylor Hearn and a couple more prospects.Rivera is expected to join the Pirates pen right away.


Even though it seems like the Pirates made out good in this trade i expected them to look at getting a starting pitcher instead of a reliever.

 

[thekeyman]

Gotta take 2 outta 3 in Milwaukee..........lets go bucs!

​the pirates just flat out stink,..they don't even look like they want to play baseball ever since the all star break.they have no drive like they were getting the last 2 1/2 weeks before the all star break.just looks like they don't care,....and i don't know if anyone noticed but clint hurdle looks down and out since the melancon trade,he looked disgusted yesterday and today looks the same way,i don't think he liked the move the pirates made with him,.......my take on the final 2 months,i think the pirates are done for,better luck in 2017

 

[thekeyman]

Well after seeing how they are playing in Atlanta I don't think that they will be contending for a wild card spot.its about time they benched McCutchen but if you watch them on the field it looks like they have no interest.Hurdle does not look happy since the trades went down and they are back to making mental errors again.this year there are too many teams in the race for the wild card not like the past few years there might have been three or four but there is a hell of a lot more this year.

 

[bounceback]

[h=2]National League[/h]

	W	L	PCT	GB	HOME	ROAD	RS	RA	DIFF	STRK	L10
Los Angeles Dodgers	64	50	.561	+4	37-22	27-28	504	438	+66	L1	6-4
Miami Marlins	60	54	.526	-	30-26	30-28	487	473	+14	L1	4-6
St. Louis Cardinals	60	54	.526	-	28-33	32-21	564	494	+70	W1	4-6
Pittsburgh Pirates	56	55	.505	2.5	32-25	24-30	499	510	-11	L1	4-6
New York Mets	57	56	.504	2.5	29-28	28-28	418	408	+10	L2	4-6
Colorado Rockies	55	59	.482	5	28-29	27-30	591	574	+17	L4	3-7
Philadelphia Phillies	53	63	.457	8	25-29	28-34	431	537	-106	W1	5-5
Milwaukee Brewers	50	62	.446	9	31-27	19-35	454	522	-68	W1	4-6
San Diego Padres	49	64	.434	10.5	27-30	22-34	504	544	-40	W1	5-5
Arizona Diamondbacks	47	66	.416	12.5	19-39	28-27	500	615	-115	W3	5-5
Cincinnati Reds	46	67	.407	13.5	26-29	20-38	490	617	-127	L1	5-5
Atlanta Braves	43	71	.377	17	18-39	25-32	404	526	-122	L1	7-3

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[bounceback]

Pirates 2.5 games back of the wild card

 

[bounceback]

Edwin Jackson no-hit the Pirates through five innings and the Bucs managed two hits on the night, failing to back Ryan Vogelsong in a 4-0 loss to the Padres on Tuesday.

Jackson struck out seven and walked three, showing improvement from the time he did throw a no-hitter, finishing with just the two hits allowed in seven innings. Jackson finished the night with 103 pitches, a whole 46 fewer than the no-hitter, if you were wondering. I can neither confirm nor deny Tuesday's effort is part of Wilbur's series on Pirates-Rays similarities.

​

Jordy Mercer broke up the no-hitter with a clean single up the middle to lead off the bottom of the sixth. He, like all Pirates baserunners, didn't get past second base.

Andrew McCutchen got the other Pirates hit, leading off the seventh. He moved to second on a wild pitch, giving the Bucs, down 3-0 at the time, their best chance of the night, but Jackson fanned Gregory Polanco and David Freese, then got Jung-Ho Kang to line out to end the meager threat.
Vogelsong fell behind early due to some poor fielding, including his own. Jabari Blash doubled in the second, then Christian Bethancourt hit a dribbler that Vogelsong threw up the first-base line, allowing Blash to score. Kang couldn't handle a Jackson grounder, which allowed Bethancourt to score for a 2-0 Padres lead.

Vogelsong didn't allow a hit in his four innings after that, turning in his second straight serviceable start since returning from his frightening facial injury. He struck out five, walked just one and allowed three hits in six innings.
Juan Nicasio came on in the seventh, and Ryan Schimpf scored on Alexei Ramirez single, just avoiding the tag on Starling Marte's throw in a call that was held up after review.

​

Antonio Bastardo relieved Nicasio with two outs and Travis Jankowski on third base in the eighth. When Eric Fryer threw the ball back to Bastardo during Alex Dickerson's at-bat, Jankowski stole home for San Diego's fourth run.

The Padres have given me the willies ever since some memorably frustrating wins over the Pirates during the collapses of 2011 and 2012. It's hard to say if the Pirates are even in a position high enough from which they can collapse this year, but the Padres could easily join the list of teams the Bucs let get by in a crucial part of the schedule.

 

[bounceback]

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates patiently waited six years for former No. 2 overall draft pick Jameson Taillon to make the major leagues. So far, he's been worth the wait.

The Pirates didn't call up Taillon until two months into the season but, thanks to several reshufflings of their rotation, he's now settled into what effectively is the No. 2 man in their rotation. And it's taken Taillon only nine starts in the big leagues to do that.
Taillon will make start No. 10 Thursday afternoon against the San Diego Padres after going 2-2 with a 3.29 ERA, 43 strikeouts and only six walks in 52 innings during his first nine starts.

Taillon has been in the majors long enough that he doesn't feel like a rookie any longer, even though he clearly is.
The 24-year-old Taillon's latest start was typical of the way he's pitched to date; he gave up only one run in six innings Friday against the Cincinnati Reds, although he didn't get the decision in a game the Pirates won 3-2.
"He's got some tools to work with, and he's learning more each and every time out there," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "It was another night for him to grow."

Taillon is quickly growing into an irreplaceable piece of the Pirates' pitching puzzle.

He has allowed only eight earned runs in 30 innings over his last five starts, walking a single batter. Not surprisingly, the Pirates have won five of his last six starts, even though the right-hander was on the disabled list with right shoulder fatigue from July 5-19.
Taillon hasn't won since June 29 at Seattle, or at all in five starts at PNC Park, but the Pirates are 4-1 in those games.

Taillon will oppose Padres left-hander Christian Friedrich (4-7, 4.76 ERA), who makes his ninth start on the road of his 16 overall starts. Friedrich pitched a season-high seven innings in his last start Aug. 5 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies, permitting four runs and five hits.
Friedrich, like Taillon, is a former first-round draft pick -- and one of 13 starters the Padres have used this season.
"For the most part, I thought he was really good all day," Padres manager Andy Green said -- with the exceptions being the home run and double he allowed to the Phillies' Cameron Rupp.

The Padres and Pirates will play for the sixth and final time this season, with the Padres leading the season series 3-2 following their 4-0 win Wednesday behind Edwin Jacksonand two relievers, who combined to allow only two singles.

San Diego is one of the more aggressive teams in the majors stealing bases -- they're third in the majors with 99 steals -- and that was evident Wednesday as Travis Jankowskipulled off a rare steal of home in the eighth inning.

Jankowski detected that reliever Antonio Bastardo wasn't watching him closely as the left-hander focused on his matchup with Alex Dickerson, so he took off for the plate and scored as catcher Eric Fryer fumbled Bastardo's hurried throw home.

"We run the bases with a ton of aggression and steal a lot of bases -- but we take what's given to us," Green said. "That was probably more of a gamble ... but it worked out because Travis has the ability to create anxiety in other people when he's running the bases. He took it upon himself (to go) ... and if you're going to take a chance, that's the time to take one."

 

[bounceback]

National League

	W	L	PCT	GB	HOME	ROAD	RS	RA	DIFF	STRK	L10
Los Angeles Dodgers	64	50	.561	+4	37-22	27-28	504	438	+66	L1	6-4
Miami Marlins	60	54	.526	-	30-26	30-28	487	473	+14	L1	4-6
St. Louis Cardinals	60	55	.522	0.5	28-33	32-22	567	498	+69	L1	4-6
Pittsburgh Pirates	57	55	.509	2	33-25	24-30	503	510	-7	W1	5-5
New York Mets	57	57	.500	3	29-29	28-28	418	417	+1	L3	3-7
Colorado Rockies	56	59	.487	4.5	28-29	28-30	603	583	+20	W1	4-6
Philadelphia Phillies	53	63	.457	8	25-29	28-34	431	537	-106	W1	5-5
Milwaukee Brewers	51	62	.451	8.5	32-27	19-35	465	525	-60	W2	4-6
San Diego Padres	49	65	.430	11	27-30	22-35	504	548	-44	L1	4-6
Arizona Diamondbacks	48	66	.421	12	19-39	29-27	509	615	-106	W4	5-5
Cincinnati Reds	46	67	.407	13.5	26-29	20-38	490	617	-127	L1	5-5
Atlanta Braves	43	72	.374	17.5	18-39	25-33	407	537	-130	L2	6-4

<tbody>
</tbody>

 

[bounceback]

Pirates creeping up....2 games back of wild card spot

 

[bounceback]

[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Bucs blank SD behind Taillon's 8 scoreless

</header>[/FONT]
<figure class="poster first-image" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: mlb_primary; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 729px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry and AJ Cassavell / MLB.com | August 11th, 2016 <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
43 COMMENTS</button>
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PITTSBURGH -- Pirates rookie Jameson Taillon continued to pitch with poise and polish beyond his years, throwing eight scoreless innings and leading the Bucs to a 4-0 win over the Padres on Thursday at PNC Park.

"His composure's incredible, as young as he is, 10 starts in. He's learning," Pirates third baseman David Freese said. "He's always watching, always talking the game. He wants to be great out there, and it shows."


Making his 10th start in the Majors -- and his first since officially, and happily, shedding his "prospect" status -- Taillon was efficient and in control throughout the afternoon. He didn't pound the zone with strikes like he has over the past month, but he forced the Padres to put the ball in play and let his defense go to work, scooping up 10 groundouts. Taillon allowed three hits and two walks, striking out four, as his ERA dropped to 2.85.

"I think incrementally, he's just working to get a little bit better," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "Pitch efficiency continues to be first and foremost for me. That's very, very attractive. … Love the rhythm and pace he works at."

As Taillon gains experience in the Majors, opponents' scouting reports on him continue to grow. Yet he has shown no trouble adjusting to the league. The right-hander added a few more changeups to his usual mix of fastballs and curveballs on Thursday, keeping the Padres off-balance and adding new wrinkles to his game.

"It helps get guys off my fastball," Taillon said. "At the same time, I think my strengths are good enough to carry me in this league for a while."

The Pirates' lineup went to work early against Padres lefty Christian Friedrich, with Freese leading the charge from the cleanup spot. Freese went 2-for-4 with a pair of opposite-field RBI hits in his first two at-bats. Gregory Polanco added an RBI single in the third, and Josh Harrison bounced a run-scoring single up the middle in the fourth off Friedrich. With the win, the Pirates finished a 4-2 homestand and pulled within two games of the second National League Wild Card spot.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>The Padres wouldn't threaten much after that, finishing with only four hits -- all singles. Pirates pitchers faced the minimum in five of the nine innings.

"Any game looks flat when you don't get runners on base," Padres manager Andy Green said. "There's just not much you can do. The game plan today was: He's got a long arm stroke, if we get some baserunners on, we love to pressure guys on the basepaths. He kept our guys off base, and you don't get on base, you can't apply pressure."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Mr. Freese: With Jung Ho Kang struggling and a lefty starter on the mound, Hurdle elected to use Sean Rodriguez at first base and keep Freese at third. As Hurdle pointed out before the game, Freese has earned the "lion's share" of playing time at third with his performance and Kang's slump. Freese continued to prove his value -- and validate the Pirates' mid-spring signing -- as he drove in Pittsburgh's first two runs.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>"I think it's one of the reasons he's had the success he's had in his career," Hurdle said. "He's been that hitter the whole time."

Make it eight: Taillon benefited from a few well-hit line drives landing in his defenders' gloves, but he was still throwing 94-95 mph and finding the bottom of the strike zone with his curveball in the eighth inning. It was the second time in his Major League career that Taillon completed eight scoreless innings, as he also fell one inning shy of a shutout against the Mets in New York on June 14. Taillon crossed the 100-pitch mark for the second straight start, throwing 101. More >
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>In a pickle: The Bucs scored once in the bottom of the fourth inning, but they could've had more if not for a pair of baserunning mishaps. With one out, Friedrich threw to pick off Harrison at first base, and Eric Fryer was nailed at home when he tried to advance during the ensuing rundown. Two batters later, Harrison rounded third base too widely on an infield single, and was tagged out in yet another rundown.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>Heavy workload: With 87 1/3 innings pitched this season, Friedrich passed his career high of 84 2/3 set back in 2012. He spent the past two seasons as a reliever and is still building his arm strength back up. As a result, the Padres will likely cut his season a bit short this year -- though they haven't determined a set number of future starts that Friedrich will make.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"> <figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>"We're also looking toward the future, so it's nice to know that they're not just going to wear you out to fill up innings," Friedrich said. "They've told [me] that they like what they see, and keep building off it. It's nice to know that they have your back with minding your innings and making sure they take control of that." More >

QUOTABLE

"It was a really good three-pitch mix from [Taillon] today. I thought that was some of the better stuff we've seen all year. Kind of shocked with how many changeups he threw. Threw a lot, threw them well. Kind of against what he did his last game out, but give him credit there." --Green

"He's a little bit of a riverboat gambler up there. He takes some shots in some RBI situations. Then there's times he drops anchor with two strikes and battles. He's got some veteran experience that plays very well for him with runners in scoring position." --Hurdle, on Freese

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

This was Taillon's first win at PNC Park, but the Pirates improved to 5-1 in his six starts along the Allegheny River. Pittsburgh has won six of the rookie's last seven starts overall, with the only loss in that span coming in Milwaukee on July 30.

WHAT'S NEXT

Padres: Paul Clemens takes the hill Friday as the Padres open a three-game series against the Mets in New York with first pitch slated for 4:10 p.m. PT. The right-hander was removed early from his last start after not hustling to first base on a bunt attempt. Since joining the Padres, Clemens has been encouraged to throw his high-spin curveball more frequently, and he's had great success with the pitch.

Pirates: Right-hander Ivan Nova will make his second start for the Pirates as they begin a six-game, West Coast road trip at 10:10 p.m. ET on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. Nova threw seven innings of three-run ball in his Pittsburgh debut, and he's fared well against the NL throughout his career, going 8-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 17 games.


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LOS ANGELES -- A three-run first inning was all the Pirates needed Friday in a 5-1 win over the Dodgers that saw homers from Andrew McCutchen and Jordy Mercer.
The Pirates opened the game with four singles in five at-bats against Los Angeles starterRoss Stripling. Stripling regrouped from there, setting down 18 of the final 20 batters he faced to last seven innings. It was his longest outing since his 7 1/3 innings of no-hit ball in his debut against San Francisco.

Full Game Coverage

Unfortunately for Stripling, those two batters he didn't retire were McCutchen and Mercer, who each took him deep. Pittsburgh starter Ivan Nova allowed nine hits in 5 1/3 innings, but spread them around well enough to allow just one run. Add that to his seven innings of three-run ball in his Pittsburgh debut, and the right-hander now holds a 2.91 ERA as a Pirate.
With a win and the Marlins' loss to the White Sox, the Pirates pulled within one game of the second National League Wild Card spot. Pittsburgh's closest competitors -- the Cardinals and Mets -- lost Friday.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Vintage Cutch: McCutchen was at his best, flashing his former MVP form throughout the night. McCutchen pulled an RBI single to left field in the first, then stole second base, only his fifth steal of the season. He homered to right field, showing the kind of opposite-field power that typically defines his hot streaks. He also made a highlight-reel play in center, racing back and tumbling down after snagging a Yasmani Grandal line drive in the second inning.

Deja vu: Joc Pederson and Howie Kendrick were the lowest position players in the Los Angeles starting lineup, but they contributed as much as anybody in what has been a deep lineup lately. In both the second and fourth innings, Pederson hit a two-out double and Kendrick followed with a single, only for Stripling to end the inning with a swinging strikeout.

Up, but not out: Nova's final line was satisfactory, but the performance didn't necessarily match the outcome. The right-hander left a number of balls up in the zone and allowed a lot of hard contact, recording only three groundouts compared to 10 in the air. However, Nova continued to pound the strike zone -- he hasn't walked a batter in two starts with the Pirates -- and he kept the ball in the park, completing a homer-free start for only the second time this season.

Blue's not his color: Josh Reddick went 0-for-4 to drag his line down to .111/.158/.111 in 38 plate appearances as a Dodger. Reddick and manager Dave Roberts have been confident the outfielder will eventually turn it around, noting that he's still putting the ball into play and attributing most of his struggles to bad luck.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle didn't wait long to challenge a call, asking for a replay of the first play of the game. Josh Harrison was called out on a grounder to shortstop Corey Seager, who struggled to get the ball out of his glove. After a short review, the call was overturned and Harrison was ruled safe. He came around to score two batters later.
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</figcaption></figure>One inning later, Pittsburgh challenged a call at the plate. Pederson doubled and scored on Kendrick's single to right field. Gregory Polanco made a strong throw home, but home-plate umpire Marvin Hudson ruled that catcher Eric Fryer didn't tag Pederson in time. The safe call stood and the Dodgers' first run remained on the board.
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</figcaption></figure>WHAT'S NEXT

Pirates: Gerrit Cole will look to bounce back after a rough start against the Reds when he takes the mound Saturday against the Dodgers. The Southern California native is 2-0 with a 4.05 ERA in two starts at Dodger Stadium and 13-3 in 19 career starts against NL West teams. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.

Dodgers: Brandon McCarthy will try to find his fastball command as he takes the mound Saturday. After registering a 1.61 ERA in his first four starts back from Tommy John surgery, the right-hander has lasted an average of three innings in his last three starts and has walked 12 in nine innings.

Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.

Jack Baer is a reporter for MLB.com based in Los Angeles.

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