The Pirates kept it close for most of the game, but the Astros’ pitching was backed up by several spectacular diving catches in the outfield that stifled the Bucs’ offense. Greg Brown recaps the action.
Manager Derek Shelton says the Pirates could not generate anything at the plate.
Shelton liked the effort of his starter, Rich Hill.
Hill says his game is rounding into form.
Pirates right-hander JT Brubaker is lost for the season after having Tommy John surgery yesterday to replace his ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. The timetable for Brubaker’s return is 14 to 16 months. Brubaker sought a second opinion this week from Arlington, Texas-based surgeon Dr. Keith Meister.
General Manager Ben Cherington announced Brubaker’s surgery yesterday and also said the team is still awaiting word on a second opinion on Top Ten pitching prospect Mike Burrows, who injured his elbow last weekend while pitching for Indianapolis.
Cherington also said yesterday that the Pirates have no policy on in-season negotiations on contracts, and while he had “nothing to report” on an extension for outfielder Bryan Reynolds, they are open to it. Multiple sources report the two sides have agreed on an 8-year, $106.7 million contract for Reynolds, but they are at an impasse over an opt-out clause that Reynolds is seeking, reportedly after the 2026 season.
ALTOONA CURVE
Two straight wins and a huge day at the plate for Altoona, which beat Erie, 17-6 last night. Mason Martin had two home runs and a double, Henry Davis hit a 3-run homer and 2 singles, Matt Fraizer had 2 hits, including a homer, and Andrea Alvarez and Lolo Sanchez also went long for the Curve.
Tonight, Justin Meis starts for the Curve as they look for their third straight win after starting the season 0-and-3.
