James McDonald gets the rehab start in Indianapolis today and Nick Kingham looks to build off his impressive debut with Altoona. Bradenton was unable to play yesterday due to poor field conditions. They will make the game up today as part of a doubleheader. The Gulf Coast League kicks off their season today. For a look at the possible starters over the next few weeks, please check out our Probable Pitchers Chart. Check out the 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 (50-25) vs Charlotte (32-42) 7:15pm
Probable starter: James McDonald (0-1, 6.75)
Yesterday’s Result: Indianapolis 2, Norfolk 1
James McDonald will make his sixth rehab start today, his fourth with Indianapolis. He started twice for Altoona, failing to get out of the first inning in his first start, then he went four shutout innings in his next game. With Indianapolis, he has pitched a total of 14.2 innings, allowing 20 hits, two homers and six walks, while striking out six batters. McDonald was 2-2, 5.76 in six starts with the Pirates this year.
AA: Altoona (33-37) @ Bowie (32-36) 7:05pm
Probable starter: Nick Kingham (1-0, 0.00)
Yesterday’s Result: Altoona 7, New Hampshire 4
Nick Kingham will make his second start for Altoona tonight. In his first start, he went 5.2 innings at home against Trenton. He threw shutout ball, allowing five hits and two walks, while picking up seven strikeouts. For Bradenton this year, Kingham went 6-3, 3.09 in 13 starts. He threw 70 innings, allowing 55 hits, four homers and 16 walks. The big right-hander had 75 strikeouts, an 0.91 GO/AO ratio and a .212 BAA. When he left the Florida State League, he was leading the league in strikeouts.
High-A: Bradenton (26-42) vs Charlotte (29-38) 5:00pm DH
Probable starter: Robby Rowland (3-4, 4.34) and Joely Rodriguez (NR)
Yesterday’s Result: Bradenton was rained out
Robby Rowland will make his 14th start of the season tonight. He has thrown 64.1 innings, allowing 59 hits, six homers and 24 walks. Rowland has 34 strikeouts, a 1.29 GO/AO ratio and a .247 BAA. In his last start, he went five innings, allowing four runs(all unearned) on two hits and four walks. In his last nine starts combined, Rowland has picked up just 19 strikeouts. He faced Charlotte on 5/10, giving up three runs(two earned) on six hits and two walks, without recording a strikeout. Joely Rodriguez will make his Bradenton debut in game two. He last pitched for West Virginia five days ago. Rodriguez went 5-5, 2.72 in 14 starts with the Power. He pitched 72.2 innings, allowing 79 hits, four homers, twenty walks and he struck out 57 batters, posting a 2.15 GO/AO ratio. In his last ten starts, he had a 1.53 ERA.
Low-A: West Virginia (37-34) vs Lakewood (27-41) 7:05pm
Probable starter: John Kuchno (3-3, 4.47)
Yesterday’s Result: Lakewood 9, West Virginia 4
John Kuchno will make his 11th start of the season tonight. He has also pitched twice in relief. As a starter, he is 2-3, 4.50 in 48 innings. On the season, he has thrown 58.1 innings, allowing 61 hits, four homers and 24 walks. He has 46 strikeouts, an impressive 2.16 GO/AO ratio and a .276 BAA. In his last start, Kuchno went five innings, allowing one run on two hits and three walks. At home this season, he is 3-1, 5.34 in 30.1 innings.
Short-Season A: Jamestown (3-1) vs Williamsport (1-3) 7:05pm
Probable Starter: Chad Kuhl (NR)
Yesterday’s Result: Jamestown 12, Williamsport 6
Chad Kuhl will make the start for Jamestown tonight. This will be the professional debut of the 2013 9th round draft pick. The 6’3″ right-hander out of Delaware, went 10-2, 3.75 in 15 starts this season. He threw a total of 105.2 innings, striking out 76 and holding batters to a .268 BAA. For a preview of the Jamestown roster, check out our article here.
Rookie: GCL Pirates (0-0) vs GCL Yankees1 (0-0) 12:00pm
Probable Starter: Wei-Chung Wang (NR)
The GCL Pirates open up their season today with Wei-Chung Wang getting the Opening Day assignment. It will be the first start of his professional career as well. He was signed in 2011 and missed all of last year due to Tommy John Surgery. The Pirates originally signed him for $350,000, but when it was revealed in his physical that he needed surgery, they agreed on a lower price.
DSL: Pirates1 (7-10) vs Rangers (14-3) 10:30am
Yesterday’s Result: Pirates1 9, Rangers 2
DSL: Pirates2 (9-7) vs Brewers (3-14) 10:30am
Yesterday’s Result: Pirates2 7, Brewers 0
Recent Transactions
6/19 Stetson Allie and Orlando Castro promoted to Bradenton
6/19 Luis Heredia and Clario Perez added to West Virginia roster
6/19 Jerry Sands placed on disabled list. Oscar Tejeda promoted to Indianapolis.
6/19 Taylor Lewis placed on disabled list. Daniel Grovatt activated from DL and added to Bradenton roster
6/19 Kelson Brown placed on disabled list.
6/19 Chris Diaz added to West Virginia roster.
6/17 Joely Rodriguez promoted to Bradenton. Jordan Steranka added to West Virginia roster.
6/17 Eliecer Navarro promoted to Altoona.
6/15 Stolmy Pimentel promoted to Indianapolis.
6/13 Jeanmar Gomez added to Indianapolis roster on rehab assignment.
6/13 Pirates announce signings of ten draft picks.
6/13 Gregory Polanco promoted to Altoona.
