Today’s 19 inning game was easily the best win of the year for the Pirates. But the aftermath could lead to some roster shuffling tomorrow, especially with tomorrow’s starter, Wandy Rodriguez, going two innings to finish the game.
If the Pirates need a starter, they would have to go to Indianapolis to get one. Kevin Correia pitched multiple innings today. None of the major league starters would be throwing on five day’s rest. The only other candidate would be Jared Hughes, but he pitched today when he was supposed to get a day off.
Here are the options in Indianapolis, starting with guys who aren’t options.
Jeff Locke – Pitched six innings today.
Chris Leroux – Pitched five innings on Friday.
Rick VandenHurk – Pitched eight innings on Thursday.
Phil Irwin – Pitched four innings on Saturday.
Daniel McCutchen – Pitched four innings on Saturday.
Gerrit Cole – He’s not in Triple-A, but for those of you wondering, he would be on four days rest tomorrow.
There are two starters in Triple-A who are on five days rest:
Kyle McPherson – He is the scheduled starter tomorrow, although he’s only had two starts in Triple-A. McPherson is on the 40-man roster.
Justin Wilson – He’s scheduled to start on Tuesday, but tomorrow would be five days rest for him. Wilson is on the 40-man roster. He’s also pitched well lately. In his last two starts he has combined for two earned runs in 14 innings, with five hits, two walks and nine strikeouts. One of those starts was an eight inning no-hitter. On the season he has a 3.84 ERA in 131.1 innings with a 130:65 K/BB ratio.
The best choice would be Wilson, due to the inexperience of McPherson above Double-A, and the recent success from the left-hander. Pitching in Petco Park would be a great low-pressure atmosphere for Wilson to make his debut.
If the Pirates needed a reliever, Bryan Morris is on the 40-man roster and hasn’t pitched since Friday. Evan Meek also hasn’t pitched since Friday. Those would be two options to help the bullpen, which has to be taxed after today’s game.
