Wednesday: Split Squad Philly at Pittsburgh, Cole v Luis Garcia, Lineup, Notes, Hutch Optioned, Bucs Blasted

(Before It's News)

Today: The Phillies play the Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton. The game starts at 1:05 and will be carried on Root Sports with no radio. BTW, it's the last Grapefruit League game of the year, followed by an off day and then an exhibition set against the Jays in Montreal over the weekend.

Lineup: Alen Hansen LF, Phil Gosselin 2B, Josh Bell 1B, David Freese 3B, Jordy Mercer SS, Danny Ortiz CF, Jacob Stallings C, Casey Hughston RF, Gerrit Cole. Not many starters in the lineup as it's camp breakdown day; the equipment trucks will be packed and rolling toward the Three Rivers tonight.

Alen Hansen gets his shot at leadoff today (photo Dave Arrigo/Pirates)

Pitchers: Gerrit Cole, Trevor Williams, AJ Schugel and Jared Hughes. This will be Cole Train's last tune-up before the Opener against Boston on the 3rd. Hughes has seen a lot of action lately as the Pirates get closer to roster deadline while Shugs and Trevor get another shot at making their case to break camp with the team.

Yesterday's Game: Hutch got clobbered again early and late to the tune of nine runs in 3-2/3 IP. Six Bucco pitchers (three from the minor league camp) held the fort after that, but it was no contest as the Pirates fell 9-2. Jose Osuna had two more hits while JJ, Josh Bell and the Goose reached twice with a hit & walk each to top the hit column.

Notes:

• Hutch was optioned to Indy today after a third straight weak outing. There are now 29 players left on the roster who have a shot at making the team; the final few cuts will be interesting calls.
• Gregory may not join the team on its Montreal trip due to a passport issue, although the Pirates believe it'll will be straightened out shortly, maybe as soon as today. It's related to WBC travel and is just an adminstrative glitch. Regardless, he's probably better served with a couple of more days of treatment for his gimpy wing in the warm weather without the extra travel.
• LHP Joely Rodriguez is on the mound for the Phils today. The once-Bucco farmhand was traded to Philly during the 2014 off season for Antonio Bastardo and made his MLB debut last season.

Vanimal was released by the Nats (2015 Topps Heritage)

• The Nationals have released RHP Vance Worley while the Yankees signed LHP Jon Niese to a minor-league deal after releasing him earlier in the week. OF Alex Presley was sent to minor-league camp by the Tigers.

• 21 Years Ago Today
• It’s Not About The Dream- It’s About Grit
• Cunningham Fits The Ravens
• 3/29: Minor Trade, Varsho Signed, HBD Bob & Mike
• Mailbag: Expansion draft, playoff lines
• Why Trevor Story Could Become One Of The Elite Shortstops In 2017
• Puckin Hostile ShoutcastEpisode 79
• Offseason Musings
• Targeting a Quarterback in 2017: What About DeShone Kizer
• Around the ACC Blogosphere for March 28, 2017