Pirates Spring Preview: Michael A. Taylor to Make Team Debut

After an ugly loss on Wednesday against the New York Yankees, the Pittsburgh Pirates will try and rebound against another American League East on Thursday night.

Bailey Falter and the Pirates will face the Toronto Blue Jays at 6:05 ET at LECOM Park.

Falter has totaled five appearances (two starts) entering play and is 0-1 with an 8.03 ERA. The left-hander has allowed 11 earned runs in 12.1 innings pitched. He’s surrendered 19 hits, has walked a pair and recorded seven strikeouts.

Falter’s worst appearance on the spring was his last time out against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. Against Detroit, he was tagged for five runs on seven hits including a pair of home runs in 2.2 innings pitched.

There will be a new name in the Pirates’ lineup this afternoon as Michael A. Taylor will make his debut with Pittsburgh after signing a free-agent contract. He will hit seventh and play center field. Andrew McCutchen will play right field.

Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup

1. Oneil Cruz SS
2. Bryan Reynolds DH
3. Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B
4. Jack Suwinski LF
5. Andrew McCutchen RF
6. Rowdy Tellez 1B
7. Michael A. Taylor CF
8. Liover Peguero 2B
9. Jason Delay C

The Pirates will face left-handed pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann, who will be making his third start of spring training. The 21-year-old is considered the 29th-best prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline.

The game between the Pirates and Blue Jays will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 100.1FM/AM 1020 and the Pirates Radio Network.

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