Pirates Jeff Karstens Gets Start Against Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have no idea what is coming at them tonight. Jeff Karstens is back.   The Bucs officially activated Karstens today and sent Bryan Morris back to AAA.

The Bucs decided Karstens had caused enough destruction throughout minor league ballparks. The rehab is over after five starts in Altoona and Indianapolis. Karstens pitched 23.1 innings, and gave up eight earned runs with a bunch of minor leaguers behind him.

The Bucs hot bats are Pedro Alvarez who has twelve hits in his past eight games – with five bombs, two doubles, and ten runs driven in. Andrew McCutchen has torn it up on the road this season with 42 hits – including four doubles, two triples, and six homers.

Keep an eye on the long ball from the Bucs as Joe Blanton (6-6, 5.04 ERA) has allowed 17 this year. He gave up three bombs in seven innings against Colorado last time out.

For the Pirates, the Zombie has lost each of his past four decisions on the road. So you’ve got an angry one on your hands, Phillies fans.

Good Luck. You’re gonna need it.