Pirates Vs. Padres, 20 Aug 2012

After a flurry of roster moves the past few days, the Pirates are going to have a different group in uniform tonight as they open up a three-game series tonight at Petco Park. Interestingly the Pirates have 26 players currently listed on their 25-man roster. The extra man is Chad Qualls who apparently has been taken off the bereavement list but will not be activated until after tonight's game.

The big story today has focused on who was going to be tonight's starting pitcher. Wandy Rodriguez was slated to go, but he was used in relief in yesterday's 19 inning marathon. Rather than start either Kyle McPherson or Justin Wilson, both just added from Indianapolis, the Pirates have elected to turn to Kevin Correia, who also threw two innings yesterday. It will be interesting to see how the Pirates choose to manage Correia's outing after his 24-pitch effort.

The good news is that both Neil Walker and Travis Snider are in the starting lineup. Walker is returning after dislocating his right pinky last week and Snider is in despite speculation that he might have to miss some time with a groin pull.

Clint's card:

Jose Tabata 7
Travis Snider 9
Andrew McCutchen 8
Garrett Jones 3
Neil Walker 4
Pedro Alvarez 5
Clint Barmes 6
Rod Barajas 2
Kevin Correia 1

Clint Hurdle added that the Pirates will not look to keep Juan Cruz if he clears waivers, "At this point we've got some young guys who have passed him."