Phillies Vs. Pirates, 8 Apr 2012

The rubber match at PNC Park today at 1:35. Vance Worley and James McDonald. For the Pirates:

Alex Presley LF

Jose Tabata RF

Andrew McCutchen CF

Neil Walker 2B

Garrett Jones 1B

Clint Barmes SS

Pedro Alvarez 3B

Michael McKenry C

James McDonald P

Clint Hurdle is using the same lineup that he used on Opening Day with a different battery. Presley returns to the leadoff spot.

Notes from the Neal Huntington Show:

-P- A.J. Burnett expected back toward the end of the month. He will make another start in Bradenton, likely throwing 80-85 pitches. The Pirates would like to get him to around 100 after that.

-P- Jameson Taillon was on a strict pitch count, which is why he was pulled after 3.2 IP of his last start.

-P- Stetson Allie is likely to miss next start with slight tightness in his right elbow.

-P- Chris Leroux would likely have made the team if not for his injury in his last outing. Jared Hughes would have been optioned out. Leroux hurt himself in his first inning of work and went back out for the second, which may not have been the best decision. According to Huntington, they "were surprised at the severity of the injury." He is "no throw" for 4-6 weeks.

-P- Huntington: The process is getting better with Pedro Alvarez, but obviously we are looking to see results at the major league level. A foundation is being built.

Huntington said Alvarez is going about things the right way and is in a good place to continue his development. Huntington recognizes that Alvarez is a lightning rod. Greg Brown pressed Huntington on how much rope they would give Pedro. Huntington said the Pirates don't have a date, and they want to see more consistency and good processes -- as they do with all their players.