PITTSBURGH — Top hitting prospect Austin Meadows is set to make his MLB debut this evening, batting seventh and starting in center field against the San Diego Padres.
Meadows was called up to replace Starling Marte, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right oblique.
Here’s Tim Williams’ fantastic profile of Meadows’ minor-league career to this point.
http://18.206.184.11/2018/05/the-book-on-austin-meadows.html
And here’s Brian Peloza from Indianapolis on Meadows’ 2018 season in Triple-A.
http://18.206.184.11/2018/05/austin-meadows-had-some-motivation-for-pittsburgh-two-weeks-ago.html
Finally, here’s Meadows’ full pregame discussion with the local media, where he gushed over seeing his name on a banner outside the ballpark and explained that his grandmother from McKeesport, Pa., is driving in for the game.
IN OTHER NEWS
Francisco Cervelli is out tonight with a jammed finger that he injured diving back to first base yesterday. Manager Clint Hurdle announced that the team intends to recall Nick Kingham in order to start on Saturday. Josh Harrison will play nine innings at designated hitter for the Altoona Curve tonight and then will be re-evaluated. It’s possible that he could also join the Pirates this weekend. Joe Musgrove is starting for Triple-A Indianapolis in Durham.
SQUID WORDS
I profiled Steven Brault earlier today, with a focus on where his best long-term fit is for him and the Pirates.
http://18.206.184.11/2018/05/what-kind-of-pitcher-is-steven-brault.html
PIRATES LINEUP
Gm 44: ☠ (26-17) vs.
PADRES LINEUP
Game 2️⃣ vs. Pirates at 4:05pm PT today with @Asuaje_20 at second and @cory_spang15 at third! Here’s the full lineup: pic.twitter.com/8Rsz2b9zS6
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 18, 2018
CONDITIONS
After looking pretty questionable for most of the day, there now appears to be a decent window for play according to Weather.com. There’s less than a 30 percent chance of rain until 10 p.m. Game-time temp should be right around 70 degrees.
BONUS VIDEO
Here’s more of Meadows taking batting practice at PNC Park for the first time.
Austin Meadows’ first BP session at PNC Park. pic.twitter.com/z3GkHpi6cV
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) May 18, 2018
