Steven v Max Scherzer, Lineup & Notes - Cervy Released

Game: The game begins at 7:05 and will be broadcast by AT&T SportsNet, MLB Network (out of market) and 93.7 The Fan.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B, Bryan Reynolds LF, Starling Marte CF, Josh Bell 1B, Colin Moran 3B, Melky Cabrera RF, Kevin Newman SS, Elias Diaz C, Steven Brault P. Sorta surprised Melky is seeing so much time; it’s his 10th August start and he’s hitting .111 this month; it should be time for Pablo, Joey O, and maybe even Fraze to get a few evaluation reps.

Pitchers: LHP Steven Brault (3-2/4.06) closes out the set against RHP Max Scherzer (9-5/2.41). If you had Steven pegged as the ace, call NH; he should have a scouting job for you. In his 10 starts since joining the rotation full time, he’s 2-1/2.58 with an opponent’s BA of .231. He’s been treated rudely by the Nationals, though: in 4-1/4 innings from 2017-18 (yah, very small sample) he’s been tagged for seven runs. Max is coming of the IL after a muscle sprain and hasn’t tossed since July 25th, so we’ll see if there’s a little rust in his game. The vet lost a 4-3 game to the Bucs in April when he gave up three runs in eight innings; he’s 5-2/2.81 in 13 career contests v the Pirates.

Notes:

• Out of the blue: The Pirates put Cervy on unconditional release waivers. Neal Huntington said Fran requested the move to see if there’s a job for him out there, preferably with a contender, so sounds like he has a landing spot in hand. The release was a favor to Fran, 33, who was odd man out in September, given the concussions and his walk-year contract. It’d be nice to see him return in some capacity when his playing days are done.
• Pittsburgh has lost 29-of-37 games since the All-Star break.
• The Buc homestand continues for three more games after tonight, with the always entertaining Cincy circus and ringmaster David Bell on tap for the weekend.