May 3: Reds (12-11) @ Pirates (12-11)
The rain has finally subsided here, and let’s hope the skies remain clear for the rest of the day. No batting practice on the field today, though, as it is still covered.
Here are your pregame news and notes…
- Shortstop Jack Wilson (sprained left middle finger) took some swings in the cages on Sunday morning, the first time that he had been cleared to do so since being put on the DL on April 25. Wilson said that if all goes well, he hopes to hit off live pitching in three days. He also took groundballs again on Sunday.
- Craig Hansen (neck spasms) was supposed to play catch on Sunday, though nothing beyond that. He hasn’t picked up a ball in over a week, so the Pirates want to ease him back before he takes the mound for any sort of side session.
- Phil Dumatrait (left shoulder soreness) is still shutdown down in extended Spring Training in Bradenton. The Pirates hope to get him back on his throwing program on Monday, though the near two-week layoff will set him back a bit.
- Catcher Ryan Doumit (fractured right wrist) is expected to get his stiches out while the team is in St. Louis on Wednesday/Thursday. He will then rejoin the team in New York on Friday.
- Right-hander Jeff Karstens said that he has appealed the fine handed down to him by Major League Baseball. Karstens was accussed by Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun for hitting him intentionally last week. Karstens denies any intent behind the pitch.
Pirates lineup:
- Nyjer Morgan (LF)
- Freddy Sanchez (2B)
- Nate McLouth (CF)
- Adam LaRoche (1B)
- Brandon Moss (RF)
- Andy LaRoche (3B)
- Jason Jaramillo (C)
- Brian Bixler (SS)
- Jeff Karstens (RHP)
Reds lineup:
- Willy Taveras (CF)
- Chris Dickerson (LF)
- Joey Votto (1B)
- Brandon Phillips (2B)
- Jay Bruce (RF)
- Ramon Hernandez (C)
- Adam Rosales (3B)
- Alex Gonzalez (SS)
- Johnny Cueto (RHP)
By Gosh, It's Langosch 