Pirates Spring Preview: Falter Looks to Put Struggles Behind Him vs. Red Sox

Bailey Falter will be on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers on Monday at 1:05 ET.

Falter, who is trying to earn a rotation spot on the Pirates’ initial roster, has struggled so far this spring. The left-hander has allowed multiple runs in each of his first three appearances.

Through six innings, Falter has allowed six runs on 11 hits, including a pair of home runs. Opponents have combined to hit .393 against him during Grapefruit League play. Falter has walked just one batter and has struck out six. This will be Falter’s second start with two of his three appearances to date coming out of the bullpen.

Henry Davis will serve as Falter’s battery mate on Monday. Davis leads the Pirates so far this spring with four home runs in eight games.

Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup

1. Billy McKinney CF
2. Liover Peguero SS
3. Henry Davis C
4. Jake Lamb 1B
5. Edward Olivares DH
6. Canaan Smith-Njigba LF
7. Gilberto Celestino RF
8. Alika Williams SS
9. Sergio Alcántara 2B

The Pirates will face right-hander Cooper Criswell. Criswell has made three appearances on the spring and has a 5.40 ERA with six strikeouts in 6.2 innings. In 10 appearances with Boston last season, he went 1-1 with a 5.73 ERA.

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