Pirates

Pirates Preview: Hitting The Road to Kauffman Stadium

Published

1 year ago

August 28, 2023

The Pittsburgh Pirates (58-73) were clobbered 10-1 by the Chicago Cubs in the conclusion of their four-game series at PNC Park.

In the loss, the Pirates were outhit by the Cubs 12-4 while Pittsburgh batters struck out a dozen times in 33 plate appearances.

After a seven-game homestand, the Pirates are on the road for six games beginning with a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.

First pitch is set for 8:10 ET and will be aired on AT&T SportsNet.

Weather

Sunny skies and temperatures around 80 degrees for first pitch. Winds light and variable.

The Pirates Will Send Out RHP Johan Oviedo (7-13, 4.46 ERA)

His last time out, Oviedo bested his former team and earned the win after holding the St. Louis Cardinals to one run across five innings.

In the month of August, Oviedo has pitched relatively well, going 3-2 with a 3.86 ERA across five starts.

The right-hander’s career-high in innings in his professional career came in 2019 when he threw 146.2 frames between High-A and Double-A with the Cardinals’ organization. He’s already at 145.1 innings pitched this season.

Though he has never previously faced the Royals, Oviedo is 2-4 with a 4.14 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts) in interleague play in his career.

The Royals Will Send Out RHP Zack Greinke (1-12, 5.34 ERA)

Though his first 22 appearances of the season came as a starter, the veteran right-hander was used as a reliver in his last appearance for only the second time since 2007.

In that appearance, Greinke threw four scoreless innings on just two hits while striking out five against the Oakland A’s.

Though his overall numbers are subpar, Greinke has pitched better at home this season. In 11 starts at home, he owns a 3,57 ERA compared to a 7.15 ERA on the road.

Greinke has faced the Pirates 15 times in his career and is 10-4 with a 3.83 ERA in those 15 starts.

Royals Hitters vs. Oviedo

Pirates Hitters vs. Greinke

Andrew McCutchen: 9 for 36, five doubles, one triple, one home run, three RBIs, two walks, seven strikeouts

Tidbits

McCutchen’s next home run will be the 300th in his career. The 36-year-old has already checked off several career milestones including 2,000 hits and 2,000 games this year.
Amongst active players, Greinke is first in starts (536), innings pitched (3,361.2), second in wins (224) and third in strikeouts (2,960).
The Royals were the Pirates’ first-ever opponent since interleague play began. That series took place from June 15-17, 1997 at Three Rivers Stadium.