Pirates vs. Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks have started 2012 with seven victories in their first 11 games, but Arizona’s lineup may suffer a big loss if Justin Upton lands on the disabled list. The All-Star outfielder is just 5-for-24 since jamming his thumb sliding into second base on April 8, and he did not play Tuesday against Pittsburgh. The Pirates wrap up what’s been a miserable nine-game road trip. Pittsburgh is 2-6 on the trip and scored just 12 runs in its first seven games on the trip.
The Pirates scored five runs in Tuesday’s 5-4 victory, but continue to search for a spark on offense. Pittsburgh scored just 19 runs in its first 10 games, ranking last in the majors in runs scored, batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage entering play Tuesday. Adding to Arizona’s injury woes is the right shoulder contusion suffered by center fielder Chris Young on Tuesday. Young left the game in the fourth inning after colliding with the wall in left-center.
TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Pittsburgh), none (Arizona)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pittsburgh RH James McDonald (0-1, ERA 3.86) vs. Arizona RH Daniel Hudson (1-0, ERA 8.71).
McDonald has pitched well in his two outings, the latest Friday in San Francisco when the right-hander was on the other end of Matt Cain’s one-hit gem. McDonald allowed six hits and three runs in 5 2/3 innings, taking the loss. He is 2-2 in six games (two starts) lifetime against Arizona. Hudson suffered through a rough 3 2/3 innings Friday in Colorado, giving up 10 hits and six earned runs. The Diamondbacks rallied to take him off the hook. Hudson is 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA in three career starts against Pittsburgh.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Arizona shortstop Stephen Drew took grounders at Chase Field on Monday. Drew is recovering from a broken ankle suffered last July; there is no timetable for his return.
2. The middle of Pittsburgh’s lineup – Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker and Garrett Jones – combined for 10 hits, five RBIs and four runs scored in Tuesday’s victory.
3. Pittsburgh’s bullpen had to log eight innings Tuesday after starter Jeff Karstens left with shoulder inflammation after one inning. Five Pittsburgh relievers combined to allow two runs on four hits the rest of the way.