Thursday, 21 March 2013 16:36

Written by Michael Sanserino

Game: Pirates vs. Orioles

Starting pitchers: Jonathan Sanchez (1-1, 7.56) Jake Arrieta (1-0, 2.38)

Time: 7:05 p.m. 

Place: Sarasota, Fla. 

Radio: 93.7 The Fan

Weather: Cool, but clear night. Slight winds. 

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Jonathan Sanchez gets the starts for the Pirates -- his last chance to state his case for a spot in the starting rotation. Clint Hurdle said recently he'd like his starters to begin taking at-bats, and the Pirates will use a designated hitter tonight. Jeanmar Gomez, who is starting tomorrow, is scheduled to take some at-bats. 

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Lineups

Pirates
1. Marte lf
2. Walker 2b
3. McCutchen cf
4. Alvarez 3b
5. Sanchez DH
6. Jones 3b
7. Martin c
8. Snider rf
9. Barmes
Sanchez LHP

Orioles
1. Roberts 2b
2. Machado 3b
3. Jones cf
4. Wieters c
5. Hardy ss
6. Davis 1b
7. Reimold lf
8. Canzler DH
9. Ford rf
Arrieta RHP

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Pirates relievers: Chris Leroux, Bryan Morris, Ryan Reid, Tim Alderson, David Bromberg, Roman Colon, Jason Townsend. 

Pirates reserves: Lucas May, Carlos Paulino; Ivan DeJesus Jr., Jared Goedert, Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer, Kelson Brown, Benji Gonzalez, Stefan Welch; Felix Pie, Alex Presley, Jose Tabata, Andrew Lambo, Mel Rojas Jr. 

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John McDonald arrives in Florida tonight and will join the Pirates tomorrow. I hope to catch up with him at that point. 

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No cuts today, but I anticipate there will be a big round of cuts over the weekend. The Pirates leave Florida one day from today. 

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A.J. Burnett ordered another set of "Preparation for Domination" muscle tees. He ordered them last year and they became a favorite for players to wear around the clubhouse. Today, almost everybody had theirs on.