Top prospect Gerrit Cole gets the start today for Indianapolis, as they open up a four-game series against Buffalo. Both Indianapolis and Buffalo are in first place in their divisions. Nick Kingham gets the start for Bradenton today. He is tied with Jameson Taillon in strikeouts with 47, the second highest total in the organization, trailing only Andy Oliver, who has fifty. Altoona was off yesterday. For a look at the possible starters over the next few weeks, please check out our Probable Pitchers Chart. We have added a Recent Transactions section to the bottom of this page, for all Pirates minor league transactions. A full recap of yesterday’s action can be found here.
AAA: Indianapolis (27-12) VS Buffalo (23-13) 7:05pm
Probable starter: Gerrit Cole (2-1, 2.23)
Yesterday’s Result: Toledo 6, Indianapolis 3
Gerrit Cole will get his eighth start of the season tonight. He has pitched a total of 36.1 innings, allowing 25 hits, one homer and 19 walks. He has 26 strikeouts, a 1.21 GO/AO ratio and a .200 BAA. Cole has allowed either zero or one run in five of his starts. At home, he is 1-1, 2.65 in four starts. He is coming off his best outing of the season, seven innings of four-hit ball, giving up one run and two walks, while striking out five batters. He has struck out either two or five batters(four times) in every game this season
AA: Altoona (16-21) VS Trenton (20-17) 6:30pm
Probable starter: Luis Sanz (1-1, 3.78)
Yesterday’s Result: Altoona was off yesterday
Luis Sanz will make his second start of the season tonight. He has also pitched ten times in relief. He made his only start six days ago, going three innings and allowing three runs on four hits and three walks. In 16.2 total innings this year, he has given up 17 hits, one homer, 14 walks and has struck out 18 batters. Sanz has 1.75 GO/AO ratio and a .262 BAA.
High-A: Bradenton (14-23) @ Clearwater (18-17) 7:00pm
Probable starter: Nick Kingham (4-2, 2.95)
Yesterday’s Result: Bradenton 5, Clearwater 3
Nick Kingham will make his eighth start of the season tonight. He has pitched four times on the road, going 2-1, 3.42 in 23.2 innings. Kingham has recorded 47 strikeouts, while allowing just seven walks in 39.2 innings. He is first in the Florida State Leagues in strikeouts and third with his 0.96 WHIP. He has won four straight starts. In his last outing, he went seven innings for the first time this season, giving up three runs on six hits and one walks. Kingham has held right-handed batters to a .191 BAA.
Low-A: West Virginia (19-18) @ Hickory (19-17) 6:00pm
Probable starter: Joely Rodriguez (2-2, 3.41)
Yesterday’s Result: West Virginia 9, Hickory 5
Joely Rodriguez will make his eighth start of the year today. He has pitched a total of 37 innings, allowing 38 hits, three homers, ten walks and he has 31 strikeouts. Rodriguez has a .266 BAA and a very impressive 2.45 GO/AO ratio. He has been much better in his last three starts, giving up one earned run and just one walk in 17.1 total innings. He has made just two road starts this season, going 1-0, 3.97 in 11.1 innings.
Recent Transactions
5/13 Jake Burnette added to West Virginia roster. Clay Holmes placed on DL.
5/13 Jeff Karstens added to Bradenton roster.
5/9 Neil Walker added to Altoona roster.
5/9 Zach Thornton added to Altoona roster. Justin Howard and Jeff Inman added to Disabled List. Jason Townsend activated from DL.
5/9 Cesar Lopez added to Bradenton roster.
5/8 Duke Welker promoted to majors. Josh Harrison rejoins Indianapolis.
5/8 Tim Alderson promoted to Indianapolis. Quinton Miller promoted to Altoona. Jhondaniel Medina added to Bradenton roster.
