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Pirates Vs. Rockies, 16 July 2012: Alex Presley Returns

By Charlie Wilmoth
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 07: Starting pitcher Jeff Francis #26 of the Colorado Rockies throws to a Washington Nationals batter during the second inning at Nationals Park on July 7, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 07: Starting pitcher Jeff Francis #26 of the Colorado Rockies throws to a Washington Nationals batter during the second inning at Nationals Park on July 7, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Alex Presley returns tonight after a stint on the 7-day DL with concussion symptoms. Matt Hague has been optioned back to Indianapolis.

Presley will lead off as the Pirates face Jeff Francis and the Rockies at 8:40.

Alex Presley LF
Josh Harrison RF
Andrew McCutchen CF
Casey McGehee 1B
Neil Walker 2B
Pedro Alvarez 3B
Rod Barajas C
Clint Barmes SS
Jeff Karstens P

Rockies:

Dexter Fowler CF
Marco Scutaro 2B
Jordan Pacheco 3B
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Michael Cuddyer 1B
Tyler Colvin RF
Wilin Rosario C
Josh Rutledge SS
Jeff Francis P

I'm going to say this over and over in the next couple weeks as the Pirates play one easy series after another, but this series presents a great opportunity for the Pirates. The Bucs struck out 17 times on Sunday, but their offense should have a much easier time in Coors Field and against the Rockies pitching staff. Without Troy Tulowitzki, the Rockies' lineup isn't much to write home about, either, as pretty as Coors might make some of their hitters' numbers look.

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