With Jeanmar Gomez on the 15-day DL and Wandy Rodriguez leaving his last start early because of inflammation in his forearm, the Pirates have an opening for next Tuesday’s start. While Charlie Morton and James McDonald were both thought to be possibilities, it looks as if the Pirates will go another route against the defending World Series champs. According to Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates top prospect Gerrit Cole “will very likely make his debut on Tuesday night.”
Cole, who started the year in Triple-A Indianapolis, has a 3.25 ERA and a 5-3 record this year in the minors. Cole was the Pirates first round pick two years ago out of UCLA. Cole’s 47 strikeouts, 28 walks and 6.49 K/9 aren’t the best, but the Pirates will take their chances with him in the rotation.
Last week, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com told me that once the Pirates call Cole up, it will be for good. The timing is interesting, but with a revolving date for Super 2 date, anywhere after June 11 is safe according to ESPN.com to call a player up.
The Pirates will return home next Tuesday to start a six-game homestand with the Giants and Dodgers.
