Major League Baseball gets back on the field today after the All-Star break, but the Pirates will enjoy another day off before starting a three-game series against the Miami Marlins tomorrow night at PNC Park.
The Pirates have not yet announced signings from the draft, but they are under a fast-approaching deadline. Draft selections must be under contract by August 1st at 5 PM. There is another deadline for General Manager Ben Cherington. The trade deadline is August 2nd at 6 PM, and Cherington is expected to be a dealer, with a number of veteran players who could be shipped out for prospects, and a number of previously-acquired prospects ready to step up to the Major League level.
The Bucs yesterday announced that former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will throw out the ceremonial first pitch next Friday, July 29th against the Phillies. That’s the weekend they celebrate “Yinzerpalooza”, with the festivities that Friday night to include a postgame concert by IUP-bred Pittsburgh band The Clarks.
Altoona also returns to play this weekend with three games at Harrisburg, to be followed by a six-game series next week at Bowie.
