9-22-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X
For the sixth time this month, the Pirates failed in scoring more than 1 run in a game; and for the 11th time, they failed to do this against the opposing starter on the day. Can they find a way to break through today?
They’ll have to do it against Hunter Greene, who returns from the Injured List today to face the Pirates.
Though he won’t qualify for the ERA title as a result of the missed time, Greene is among the best in the National League for ERA (2.98), K% (27.8) and batting average against (.182 – the lowest for all NL pitchers with minimum 140 innings) with the 2nd highest bWAR among NL pitchers despite missing the past five weeks.
Greene has faced the Pirates twice this season in back-to-back starts with drastically different results. On June 19th, he threw 6.1 shutout frames allowing 2 hits, no walks and striking out 9 but on his June 25th outing, Greene managed just 4 innings surrendering 6 runs off 7 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts.
Greene will likely be limited in his pitch count today following only a 52-pitch simulated game in lieu of rehab but his high-90s fastball paired with a high-80s slider are difficult to square up with each offering resulting in sub-.200 BAA.
Greene’s only real shortcoming is his tendency for wildness as his 9.1% walk rate is among the highest in MLB starting pitchers. Given the expected pitch count and proclivity for free passes, Bucs bats will need to exhibit patience and try to work long at-bats to get him out early – or at least early-ish.
Let’s Go Bucs!
Steel City Pirates 