Pirates at Braves, 3/20

Wednesday, 20 March 2013 10:26

Written by Michael Sanserino

Game: Pirates (10-13) vs. Braves (14-11)

Starting pitchers: Kyle McPherson (0-1, 5.68) vs. Mike Minor (1-0, 3.86)

Time: 1:05 p.m. 

Place: Champions Stadium, Orlando

Weather: 60 percent chance of thunderstorms. That's not good. 

Webcast:www.pirates.com

***

Lineups

Pirates
1. Marte lf
2. Tabata rf
3. McCutchen cf
4. Jones 1b
5. Walker 2b
6. Inge 3b
7. Mercer ss
8. McKenry c
9. McPherson RHP

Braves
1. Simmons ss
2. Heyward rf
3. J. Upton lf
4. Freeman 1b
5. B.J. Upton cf
6. Dan Uggla 2b
7. Chris Johnson 3b
8. Gattis c
9. Minor LHP

Pirates relievers: Tony Watson, Justin Wilson, Mike Zagurski, Jared Hughes, Vin Mazzaro, Ryan Reid, Tim Alderson, David Bromberg. 

Pirates reserves: (Catchers) Carlos Paulino, Lucas May, Kawika Emsley-Pai; (Infielders)Ivan  DeJesus Jr., Jared Goedert, Josh Harrison, Gift Ngoepe; (Outfielders) Felix Pie, Alex Presley, Travis Snider, Andrew Lambo, Brad Hawpe. 

***

Shortstop Chase d'Arnaud underwent surgery Monday in Cleveland to repair a torn ligament in his left hand. D'Arnaud sustained the injury during a rundown drill and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. The Pirates have not yet made an official roster move. 

"I kinda knew when I got there that I was going to have the surgery," d'Arnaud said.

He will return to the Cleveland Clinic on April 1 -- Opening Day -- for a follow-up visit.

***

This will be the first time we see Tony Watson in a Grapefruit League game since Feb. 28.  

***

UPDATE 11:45 a.m. 

The Pirates released six minor league players today: Alexi Lukashevich, Porfirio Lopez, Michael Colla, Philippe Valiquette, Martires Cadet, Wilson Lee. Additionally, the team will confert infielder Jared Lakind to a pitcher. He was a pitcher in high school. 

***

Also, we'll be chatting today at 1 p.m. Get your questions ready...