Gameday: 3/3 Toronto Blue Jays at Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates will host Toronto today in Bradenton. The Bucs are coming off a 10-3 loss to Detroit on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh only managed six hits and first baseman John Jaso committed his first error of the spring. That is significant because the Pirates will keep an eye on him as he makes the transition to the position.

Two pitchers that could be part of the big league team had rough outings. Jeff Locke gave up four first inning runs while Eric O’Flaherty gave up five runs although only one was earned.

Don’t read too much into pitching performances in the early spring. Most pitchers are working on new things or things they are not good at. If Locke is still struggling in late March, then there could be cause for concern.

O’Flaherty is coming off Tommy John surgery so his health and the fact he is pitching is more significant than his actual results.

Today, the Blue Jays are the opponent. Both Jon Niese and Ryan Vogelsong make their spring debuts for the Pirates.

NHL hockey broadcaster and big-time Pirate fan Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick will do some play-by-play in today’s game.

Check back for comments during the game.

LINEUPS

Blue Jays

1. Ryan Goins – SS
2. Michael Saunders – LF
3. Chris Colabello – 1B
4. Justin Smoak – DH
5. Junior Lake – RF
6. Darwin Barney – 2B
7. Darrell Ceciliani – CF
8. Matt Dominguez- 3B
9. Humberto Quintero C

Scheduled Pitchers:
RHP Gavin Floyd
Roberto Hernandez
RHP Joe Biagini
LHP Pat Venditte
RHP Taylor Cole
RHP Ben Rowen
RHP Blake McFarland

Pirates

1. Josh Harrison – 2B
2. Matt Joyce – RF
3. Jason Rogers – 3B
4. Michael Morse – DH
5. Jake Goebbert – 1B
6. Jordy Mercer – SS
7. Elias Diaz – C
8. Willy Garcia – CF
9. Danny Ortiz – LF

Scheduled Pitchers:
LHP Jon Niese
RHP Ryan Vogelsong
LHP Tony Watson
RHP Guido Knudson
RHP John Holdzkom
LHP Jim Fuller