Game Thread: The return of Nick Kingham

The Pirates have recalled Nick Kingham (2-0, 2.92) to make the start tonight against the San Diego Padres. Kingham made his major league debut taking a perfect game into the seventh inning against the Cardinals on April 29 then made one more start, also a win, before being returned to the minors in order to stay on a regular rotation. He’ll be faced by veteran left-hander Clayton Richard (2-5, 5.20) in game three of this four game series, which stands at one game apiece.

The 34 year old Richard had a 4.79 ERA in 32 starts a year ago and isn’t pitching any better now, with a 5.20 ERA in his first nine starts. His fastball, which he relies on 64% of the time, has dropped nearly a full mph from last year, down to 90.0. He also throws a slider (17%) and change (14%)

Including the pitcher Richard, the Padres’ no-name lineup features six left-handed hitter against Kingham.

Clint Hurdle has similarly rolled out his lefty facing lineup, having Sean Rodriguez leadoff while benching Gregory Polanco, Colin Moran and Adam Frazier, as Corey Dickerson and newly arrived rookie Austin Meadows remain as starters vs the same-sided pitcher Richard.

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PADRES

1 L Travis Jankowski CF

2 L Eric Hosmer 1B

3 L Franchy Cordero LF

4 R Jose Pirela 2B

5 R Christian Villanueva 3B

6 S Freddy Galvis SS

7 R Franmil Reyes RF

8 L Raffy Lopez C

9 L Clayton Richard LHP

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PIRATES

1 R Sean Rodriguez 2B

2 R Jose Osuna RF

3 R Francisco Cervelli C

4 S Josh Bell 1B

5 L Corey Dickerson LF

6 R David Freese 3B

7 L Austin Meadows CF

8 R Jordy Mercer SS

9 R Nick Kingham RHP