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The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced their starting rotation for this week’s series with the Chicago Cubs, and it includes Gerrit Cole‘s replacement.
After the Pittsburgh Pirates finish their series with the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday afternoon, they will head to Wrigley Field to do battle with the Chicago Cubs. Even though the Pirates are just 3-9 against the Cubs this season, they did win the last series the two clubs played. This upcoming series will be vital for the Pittsburgh Pirates and their postseason aspirations.
This morning, manager Clint Hurdle announced his starting rotation for this series. The Pittsburgh Pirates will start Steven Brault, Chad Kuhl, and Ryan Vogelsong in this upcoming series. This means that Brault has been tabbed to replace the injured Gerrit Cole in the starting rotation.
On Monday night the Pirates will face Jake Arrieta. While on Tuesday night the Bucs will see Kyle Hendricks. And Wednesday night they will face Mike Montgomery.
Monday will be Steven Brault‘s third career Major League start. In his first two starts he has pitched 10 innings. In these 10 innings pitched Brault has allowed 11 hits, he has walked five batters, and he has struck out eight. The Pirates are 1-1 in these two games.
As I wrote about earlier today, the Pirates do not need Brault to be great. As long as he can consistently keep the Pirates in the game, then the Bucs should be okay. If he fails to do this though, their postseason hopes will take a huge hit.
Monday will certainly be a big test for Steven Brault. Brault will be pitching in the thick of a pennant race, at Wrigley Field, against the best team in baseball, he will be opposed by Jake Arrieta, and it will be just his third career start. As for Chad Kuhl and Ryan Vogelsong, the Pirates just need these two to continue to pitch the way they have all season.
Next: Previewing September Call Ups
This upcoming series against the Cubs is a critical one for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Honestly, ever series is at this point. The Cubs are the best team in baseball though, and I will be happy if the Bucs can get out of Wrigley Field without being swept.