Morning Rundown: Pirates swept by the Mets, Paul Skenes scheduled to pitch

Pirates get swept by the New York Mets, Paul Skenes and Bubba Chandler scheduled to pitch in minors on Thursday

Photo Credit: Ryan Palencer

Bailey Falter pitched five solid innings for the Pirates, but the offense went quiet Wednesday afternoon.

The offense combined for just five runs in the three-game sweep by the Mets, including a single run in the final two contests.

They head into their off day with a couple of question marks on the offensive side. Ke’Bryan Hayes missed his second straight game after being scratched from his start on Tuesday.

Joey Bart was initially scheduled to start on Wednesday but was scratched in favor of Henry Davis.

According to Derek Shelton, Bart was struck in the head by a baseball during batting practice earlier in the week. They thought he was on pace to play, but he ended up needing to sit out.

The Pirates are off on Thursday before returning home for seven straight at PNC Park against the Red Sox (three games) and Milwaukee Brewers (four).

---

Technically, Friday would be Marco Gonzales’ turn in the rotation, but now that he is on the injured list, the Pirates will have a decision to make.

The off day could allow them to skip the spot in the rotation altogether and start again with Mitch Keller, although they also optioned Jose Hernandez to Triple-A, so that frees up the roster spot for whoever will make that start.

They could call someone up, with Quinn Priester being the leading candidate. He will be on full days of rest and already on the 40-man roster.

---

• Altoona Curve transferred SS Francisco Acuna to the Development List

• RHP Jaycob Deese was assigned to the Altoona curve from the Greensboro Grasshoppers

• Greensboro Grasshoppers activated Nick Cimillo.

• Optioned Jose Hernandez to Triple-A Indianapolis

---

Support the site by becoming a paid member, and get access to all of our premium content, including our Top 25 list with complete player write-ups and my video breakdowns, which come out weekly. It will also give access to my player feature articles from on-site trips.

Khristian Curtis: Pro debut shows control will be key

We have monthly and yearly plans available, with the latter coming out to an average of $4.16/month.

---

Top Exit Velocity

1. Oneil Cruz - PIT - 111.7 MPH - GIDP

2. Omar Alfonzo - BRD - 107.7 MPH - Lineout

3. Javier Rivas - BRD - 107.5 MPH - Double

4. PJ Hilson - BRD - 106.3 MPH - Field Error

5. Oneil Cruz - PIT - 106 MPH - Single

Top Pitch Velocity

1. Kyle Nicolas - IND - 98.3 MPH

2. David Bednar - PIT - 98.2 MPH

3. Kyle Nicolas - IND - 98.2 MPH

4. Kyle Nicolas - IND - 97.9 MPH

5. Kyle Nicolas - IND - 97.6 MPH

Most Whiffs

1. Ben Heller - BRD - 12

2. Cam Alldred - IND - 12

3. Hunter Barco - GBO - 10

4. Darvin Garcia - GBO - 9

5. Hung-Leng Chang - BRD - 8

---

Indianapolis Indians - 1 vs St. Paul Saints - 0

Gameday

Top Hitter - Carter Bins: 2-4, RBI, 2B

Top Pitcher - Cam Alldred: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K

Altoona Curve - 0 vs Bowie Baysox - 5

Gameday

Top Hitter - Joe Perez: 1-3, BB

Top Pitcher - Eddy Yean: 2.1 IP, H, 3 BB, 3 K

Greensboro Grasshoppers - 8 vs Hickory Crawdads - 6

Gameday

Top Hitter - Shawn Ross: 1-3, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI

Top Pitcher - Hunter Barco: 4 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 4 K

Bradenton Marauders - 4 vs Daytona Tortugas

Gameday

Top Hitter: Javier Rivas: 1-5, walk-off bases-clearing double in extra-innings, 3 RBI

Top Pitcher: Hung-Leng Chang: 4 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K

Probable Pitchers

Pittsburgh Pirates - Off

Indianapolis Indians - Paul Skenes

Altoona Curve - Bubba Chandler

Greensboro Grasshoppers - Patrick Reilly

Bradenton Marauders - Antwone Kelly