Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (77-69) begin their final homestand of the regular season against the Cubs (64-82). Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.89 ERA) will start it off for the Bucs and will oppose Tsuyoshi Wada (4-2, 2.95 ERA). Injury Update Starling Marte's status for tonight's game is TBD after being hit in the elbow with a pitch in last night's game. "He's in the cage [pregame] to see how he feels from a physical standpoint swinging the bat," said manager Clint Hurdle. Pedro ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/31: Hurdle discusses the positives of a late-season off day
Good afternoon from a rainy PNC Park where the Pirates (71-64) look to complete a three-game sweep of the Reds (65-71). Francisco Liriano (3-10, 3.98 ERA) will take the hill and will oppose Johnny Cueto (15-8, .26 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On the importance of having an off day this late in the season: "It always seems to work out this way and through September, I think you get one about every week. I think, also, when you see your club get challenged physically, the off day plays bigger. If we ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/30: Hurdle excited to see Harrison succeed
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (70-64) look to take yet another series as they face the Reds (65-70). Vance Worley (5-4, 3.14 ERA) will face Alfredo Simon (13-8, 3.26 ERA). Injury Update -- Charlie Morton talked to Rob Biertempfel of the Trib about his sports hernia. Morton is still uncertain on if surgery will be needed, but he still hopes to help the team out during the stretch run. #Pirates Morton says no decision yet re: possible hernia surgery. "I'm keeping all options ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/29: Hurdle discusses the starting pitching’s recent success
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (69-64) continue their streak against NL Central opponents as they begin a three-game series with the Reds (65-69). Edinson Volquez (11-7, 3.56 ERA) will take the hill against Mike Leake (10-11, 3.51 ERA). Injury Update Pedro Alvarez and Travis Snider are not in the lineup again tonight. They will both work out during warm ups and take swings in the cage to see if they will be available for tonight's game. Snider sees progress in his ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/27: Hurdle discusses team chemistry
Good afternoon from PNC Park where this afternoon the Pirates (68-64) look to take the rubber match of a three-game series against the Cardinals (71-60). Jeff Locke (5-3, 3.69 ERA) will take the hill against Adam Wainwright (15-8, 2.52 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On the large amount of team chemistry in the clubhouse: "There's no doubt. It's another trademark, I think, of our organization and we encourage it as soon as these guys become Pirates. One of the things I challenge the first year players ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/26: Hurdle discusses Tabata, Pedro’s play at first base
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (67-64) look to avenge last night's 3-2 loss to the Cardinals (71-59) in the second game of a three-game set. Gerrit Cole (7-4, 3.69 ERA) will oppose Lance Lynn (14-8, 2.78 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On Alvarez's play at first base: "We're just happy that the hard work that he's doing is paying off and giving him some opportunity to have some more freedom every time he goes out there. There's going to be more plays that's going to need to be made and ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/25: Hurdle discusses Polanco demotion, Barmes activated from DL
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (67-63) look to build off of their series victory in Milwaukee as they begin a three-game set against the NL Wild Card-leading Cardinals (70-59). Francisco Liriano (3-10, 4.18 ERA) will take the hill and oppose newly acquired John Lackey (1-1, 5.40 ERA). Roster Moves -- The Pirates made a roster move this afternoon sending OF Gregory Polanco to AAA Indianapolis and recalling OF Jose Tabata. Polanco will be back with the team after the rosters ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/20: Morton diagnosed with a “sports hernia”, Hurdle discusses Travis Snider
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (64-62) look to salvage a game from the Braves (66-60). Gerrit Cole (7-4, 3.78 ERA) will be making his first start since early July as he faces Alex Wood (9-9, 3.07 ERA). The Pirates begin the day 7 games behind the Brewers (71-55) for first in the NL Central, 4 1/2 games behind the Cardinals (68-57) for the first NL Wild Card spot and 2 games behind the Giants (65-59) and Braves (66-60) for the second NL Wild Card spot. Injury Update Charlie ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/18: Hurdle discusses staying the course
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (64-60) look to break a five-game slump as they begin a three-game series against the Braves (64-60). Vance Worley (5-2, 2.51 ERA) will take the hill and oppose Ervin Santana (12-6, 3.66 ERA). Player Updates Andrew McCutchen took live batting practice today and "expects" to be in the lineup tomorrow when he's eligible to come off the DL. Jordy Mercer took fielding practice today without throwing and took swings in the cage. "He's got some more ... Read More
Cole confident to return
Gerrit Cole continues to work his way back to a spot in the Pirates starting rotation after a solid rehab start in Indianapolis on Sunday. "It was good work [Sunday]," said Cole. "It was efficient. Good location of all four pitches and it was a nice outing." Cole pitched six shutout innings in his Sunday rehab start allowing one hit while striking out three. It was a welcome sight after going through a "mechanical" rehab outing in which he allowed five runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings. ... Read More