PNC Park — The Pirates (49 – 30) continue their series with the Brewers (32 – 46) tonight as Francisco Liriano (6 – 3, 2.30 ERA) faces Donovan Hand (0 – 0, 2.37 ERA). With their win last night, accompanied with the Cardinal’s loss in Oakland, the Pirates have sole possession of first place in the NL Central along with the best record in all of baseball.
Hurdles Quotes
— On dealing with the hype of having the best record in baseball –“Be easy to please, hard to satisfy. The players are that way, I’m that way. Yes, were happy with what we’ve done, but we understand there’s many more miles on this road to travel and the lessons we’ve learned from the past two years, I think, are instrumental and going to be a strength for us going forward.”
Injury Updates
— Wandy Rodriguez has experienced continued tightness in his left forearm and has been shut down from throwing. Rodriguez will be evaluated by the Pirates’ medical staff to determine the next steps.
— James McDonald continues with his shoulder rehabilitation program. He is scheduled to see Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas, Texas next week for a second opinion before going to Dr. James Andrews when his schedule opens up.
— Jose Tabata continues his rehabilitation assignment with Indianapolis without incident. He collected a couple hits last night before leaving the game due to a rain delay. He is expected to make a couple more starts with Indy.
— A.J. Burnett threw a 38-pitch bullpen yesterday without incident. He is scheduled to pitch a simulated game on Tuesday.
— Jared Hughes threw a 25-pitch bullpen yesterday without incident. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Tuesday.
— Jeff Karstens continues with his shoulder rehabilitation program following shoulder surgery.
— Phil Irwin experienced discomfort in his right elbow during his last throwing session and has been shut down from throwing. Irwin will be seen by the Pirates’ medical staff to determine the next steps.
— Kyle McPherson experienced pain in his right elbow/forearm during his last bullpen session and has been shut down from throwing. McPherson will be seen by the Pirates’ medical staff to determine the next steps.
Other Notes
— The Pirates are 19 games over .500 for the first time since…..wait for it……1992, when they ended the season 96 – 66.
— With a win tonight or tomorrow, The Pirates would have 50 wins prior to July 1 for the first time in franchise history. The closest club to this feat would be the 1971 World Champs, who won their 50th game on July 1 en route to a 97 – 65 record.
— The Pirates have won 7 in-a-row for the first time since winning 10-straight in 2004 from June 26 – July 5.
First pitch is set for 7:05.
Follow Travis for Pirate news and in-game updates on Twitter @TBerardi_OVA or @ovathletics
(Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports)
