Gameday 75: Pirates open three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays

Potential bullpen game leading up to Jones/Skenes

Jun 21, 2024

After taking two of three against the Cincinnati Reds, the Pirates welcome the Tampa Bay Rays into town for a three-game weekend series.

Tampa Bay took two of three on the road against the Minnesota Twins before heading to Pittsburgh.

The Pirates enter the series in third place in the NL Central, one game back of the Cardinals and 7.5 of the Brewers. They remain in the thick of the Wild Card race, just a half-game out. They are one of many times that are currently jockeying for positions to make the playoffs.

It’s been a non-traditional year for the Rays, as they are only a half-game out of last place in the AL Central and three games under .500.

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The first pitch is expected around 6:40 pm ET.

Pirates Lineup

DH - Andrew McCutchen

LF - Bryan Reynolds

SS - Oneil Cruz

1B - Rowdy Tellez

2B - Nick Gonzales

3B - Ke’Bryan Hayes

RF - Connor Joe

CF - Jack Suwinski

C - Yasmani Grandal

Rays Lineup

1B - Yandy Diaz

2B - Brandon Lowe

3B - Isaac Paredes

RF - Josh Lowe

LF - Randy Arozarena

DH - Richie Palacios

CF - Jose Siri

C - Ben Rortvedt

SS - Taylor Walls

Pitching Matchup

PIT - Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2, 4.42 ERA, 18.1 IP, 9 BB, 17 K)

TB - Ryan Pepiot (4-4, 4.57 ERA, 63 IP, 19 BB, 72 K)

Yesterday’s Feature

After beginning the year as one of the worst hitters in the minors, Javier Rivas is starting to turn things around in June. I take a look at his turnaround and what he is doing differently.

Bucs On Deck

Javier Rivas showing signs of life offensively

Few players are as good defensively in the Pirates’ system as Javier Rivas. Despite standing at 6’6”, Rivas moves around well on the field, making some of the most difficult plays look easy at shortstop and third base. It’s been a different story at the plate, as Rivas has struggled to hit over the last two years while with the Marauders…

5 months ago · 3 likes · 3 comments · Anthony Murphy

Today’s Feature

He’s out with an injury right now, but up until then, Garrett Forrester was really turning things around after a slow start. I talked with Bradenton manager Jim Horner about what Forrester does so well at the plate and what could have led to the slow start.

Bucs On Deck

Simple approach helping Garret Forrester adjust to pro ball

When the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Garret Forrester in the third round out of Oregon State, they got a player with an advanced hit tool and some power potential. Forrester has put up some decent exit velocity numbers in Bradenton, but his approach at the plate has shined through…

5 months ago · 3 likes · Anthony Murphy

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Bucs On Deck

Bucs on Deck Top 25: Midseason updated list

With graduations, the Pirates lost some of their top-rated and highly-drafted prospects at the beginning of the season. They will also lose Paul Skenes at some point, potentially creating a multi-prospect race for who will be at the top of the system…

5 months ago · 4 likes · 60 comments · Anthony Murphy

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