At the start of the season, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Ryan Vogelsong was certainly disappointed to see a starting rotation job that was projected to go his way didn’t. He was sent to the bullpen with the explanation that it wasn’t so much him as that other pitchers just took his spot.
Now, Vogelsong will get his first start as a Pirate since Sept. 29, 2004, after Wednesday’s scheduled starter Francisco Liriano was scratched with hamstring discomfort.
Quite a bit has changed since that day in 2004 when the Pirates fell 14-8 and Vogelsong was pulled after allowing seven runs without getting an out.
Vogelsong spent five years (2001-06) with the Pirates before heading to San Francisco, where he also spent five seasons. As a Giant, Vogelsong won two World Series rings (in 2012 and 2014), and San Francisco won all seven of his postseason starts — Vogelsong played an especially crucial role in the 2012 postseason, posting a 3-0 record and a 1.09 ERA in four starts.
The 38-year-old right-hander made his 2016 season debut Friday against the Cincinnati Reds after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Pirates. He earned the win, allowing two runs — one earned — in two innings. It’s Vogelsong’s lone appearance this season.
Liriano’s last outing, Friday, was a puzzling one of sorts because he didn’t have his best stuff and had to work around two bases-loaded situations. He left after five innings, having thrown 90 pitches.
The timetable for Liriano’s return is day-to-day.
Vogelsong will face Anibal Sanchez (1-0 3.60 ERA) as the Pirates continue a home-and-home series with the Detroit Tigers.
Image credit: Paul Hadsall
