Good afternoon and Happy 4th of July from PNC Park where this evening the Pirates (44-41) begin a three-game set against the cross-state rival Phillies (37-48). Gerrit Cole (6-4, 4.02 ERA) will look to rebound from his previous start against Roberto Hernandez (3-7, 4.26 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On sitting most of his LH hitters against RHP Hernandez: "It's about a 50-point spread (RH vs. LF avg.). The walk-to-strikeout's different. The contact, some other indicators. I just thought it would be a ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/3: Hurdle Discusses Recent Pitching Success, Jordy Mercer
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (44-40) look for the three-game sweep --their first of the 2014 season-- of the Diamondbacks (35-51). Vance Worley (2-0, 1.74 ERA) will oppose Brandon McCarthy (2-10, 5.11 ERA). Injury Update Francisco Liriano threw a successful sim game yesterday and will now make a rehab start with AAA Indianapolis on Monday (5 IP / 85 pitches). Andrew McCutchen is in tonight's lineup after leaving last night's game after fouling a ball off of his left ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/2: Liriano Update, Walker Discusses Walkoffs
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (43-40) look to build off of last night's improbable come-from-behind victory against the Mets in the second game of the three-game set. Charlie Morton (4-9, 3.41 ERA) will take on Chase Anderson (5-3, 3.63 ERA). Francisco Liriano threw a sim game (1 IP behind L-Screen, 3 IP w/o screen) prior to batting practice today. "I saw three of the innings that he pitched," said Clint Hurdle. "He's thrown all of his pitches. Working out of the windup ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/1: Hurdle Discusses Locke’s Success, Pedro’s Inconsistency
Good afternoon from PNC Park where today the Pirates (42-40) begin a three-game set with the Arizona Diamondbacks (35-49). Jeff Locke (1-1, 3.74 ERA) will oppose Wade Miley (3-6, 4.78 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On Locke's effectiveness as of late: "He's thrown more strikes. His command is in a better place than it was last last season. More leverage counts in his favor and that has been the biggest thing. You look at the walks-to-strikeout total base and compare it to anytime last year at any time. ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 6/29: Hurdle Discusses His Team at the Midway Point
Good morning from PNC Park where today the Pirates (41-40) look to take the series against the Mets (37-44). Edinson Volquez (5-6, 4.35 ERA) faces Bartolo Colon (8-5, 3.67 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On his team at the midway point: "I look at the volume of play, the way we've been playing baseball and we've had a solid month of June. We played better in May. We're playing better now. We just got to keep working, get a little bit better everyday. Rotation needs to keep giving us the innings we need ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 6/28: Hurdle Discusses Frieri Arrival, Cole Start
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (41-39) take on the Mets (36-44) in the third game of a four-game set. Gerrit Cole (6-3, 3.64 ERA) will be making his first start since being reinstated from the DL and will face Jonathon Niese (4-4, 2.78 ERA). -- To make room for Cole on the active roster, Brandon Cumpton has been optioned to AAA Indianapolis. "You have no need to hang your head," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Guys are going to hug you and tell you great job and they will look ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 6/27: Hurdle Discusses Having Too Many Starters
Good afternoon from PNC Park where tonight the Pirates (40-39) take on the Mets (36-43) in the second game of a four-game set. Brandon Cumpton (3-2, 4.93 ERA) will take on Jacob deGrom (1-4, 3.75 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On deciding a rotation out of eight solid starters: "The volume of work each man has done is taken into consideration. You need to do what's best for the organization at the time to keep the best competitive team you can in play in your mind and also continue to have depth. ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 6/26: Injury Update, Hurdle Discusses Harrison as an All-Star
Good afternoon from PNC Park where today the Pirates (39-39) begin a 10-game homestand against the New York Mets (36-42). Vance Worley (1-0, 1.98 ERA) will oppose Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-1, 2.68 ERA). Injury Update Starling Marte: "The neck, the head aren't really an issue," said manager Clint Hurdle. "He's being treated for that right-middle finger. He's gone and tried to hit, so we're going to find out what the availability he'll have tonight. It's better than it was yesterday, but we're going ... Read More
MLB Releases Statement on Wednesday’s Home Plate Review
Joe Torre, MLB's executive vice president of baseball operations, issued a statement regarding the overturned umpires review of Rule 7.13 during Wednesday's game against the Reds. It was a play where Pirates catcher Russell Martin fielded a throw from Stolmy Pimentel while his foot was on home plate to complete a force out at home. The umpires went to a review and the officials in New York City ruled Martin was in violation of Rule 7.13 (The illegal blocking of home plate). Because Martin's ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 6/18: Hurdle Discusses Harrison’s Spot With Team
Good afternoon from PNC Park where today the Pirates (34-36) look to rebound from last night's tough loss to the Reds (34-35) in the second game of the four-game set. Edinson Volquez (4-5, 3.89 ERA) will oppose Alfredo Simon (9-3, 2.95 ERA). DL Update -- Gerrit Cole threw a simulated game today in which he threw one simulated inning from behind the L-screen and four innings and 60 pitches regular. "From what I saw, he is in a good place," said manager Clint Hurdle Neil Walker was one of the ... Read More