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Chad Kuhl (5-5, 4.56) will try to get back on track Tuesday at 7:10 p.m.. against Steven Matz (3-5, 3.68) and the Mets.
Kuhl allowed eight earned runs in 2+ innings in last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 21. Before that, he had been one of the most consistent pitchers in the Pirates’ rotation of late, earning a quality start in six of his previous eight appearances with a 2.89 ERA.
Pitch selection seems to be a contributing factor to his recent success. According to Brooks Baseball, in seven of those eight starts, his fastball usage was at his season average 59% or lower. (The one start where it was higher was a 4 run, 4.1 inning performance May 17). He had a higher fastball percentage than that in five of his first six starts and in his most recent outing against the Diamondbacks.
Matz is coming off a five run start in Colorado on June 21. The Mets have dropped seven straight, while the Pirates snapped their five game losing streak with their 6-4 win in New York Monday.
Pirates
CF Starling Marte
LF Austin Meadows
2B Josh Harrison
3B David Freese
C Elias Diaz
1B Jose Osuna
RF Gregory Polanco
SS Jordy Mercer
P Chad Kuhl
Mets
RF Jose Bautista
CF Michael Conforto
3B Todd Frazier
2B Asdrubal Cabrera
1B Wilmer Flores
LF Dominic Smith
C Kevin Plawecki
SS Jose Reyes
P Steven Matz