Pedro Alvarez and Clint Barmes will both sit today in favor of Brandon Inge and recently-recalled Jordy Mercer. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said the move was made because Alvarez and Barmes historically have struggled against Milwaukee starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo.
“Our lineup is extended better that it has ever been before as far as being able to hit deeper,” Hurdle said. “(Alvarez) is 0 for 15 against Gallardo. Barmes along the same lines. I’ve watched them go to bat against the guy for two straight years and this is the third year. We’ll try something different.”
MLB.com’s Tom Singer dug up the numbers for Alvarez and Barmes against Gallardo.
Alvarez (0-15) and Barmes (1-17) against #Brewers’ Gallardo, so they sit in favor of Inge (2-5 with HR) and Mercer (first look). #pirates
— Tom Singer (@Tom_Singer) May 15, 2013
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Jordy Mercer was recalled from Indianapolis this afternoon when the Pirates placed John McDonald on the 15-day disabled list. McDonald left last night’s win against the Brewers with discomfort in his lower back.
Mercer, of course, had just left Pittsburgh when Neil Walker was recalled from the disable list, but finds himself back at PNC Park and playing his preferred position with McDonald hurt and Barmes not in the lineup.
“It’s another sign of the improvement within the organization and the strength within the organization,” Hurdle said. “Johnny Mac’s issue came up all of a sudden. You watch that guy take that swing of the bat and hit the ball, OK. Two minutes later the trainer is pulling on my shirt saying he can’t play, his back is locked up.”
Hurdle said having a guy like Mercer that he can plug in without having to allow for a tranisiton from Triple-A to the big leagues is a an added bonus.
“As you dig into the situation, (McDonald) going down, you don’t draw those up,” he said. “To have a guy you can go and get in Mercer that is still fresh, just left. It’s a feel good and I’m able to plug him back into the lineup as well which is another benefit.”
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Lineups:
Milwaukee (16-21, 4th National League Central)
1. Aoki rf
2. Segura ss
3. Braun lf
4. Ramiriez 3b
5. Lucroy c
6. Gomez cf
7. Weeks 2b
8. Gonzalez 1b
9. Gallardo p
Pittsburgh (22-17, 3rd National League Central)
1. Marte lf
2. Tabata rf
3. McCutchen cf
4. Sanchez 1b
5. Walker 2b
6. Martin c
7. Inge 3b
8. Mercer ss
9. Rodriguez p
