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Grapefruit League Game 12: Pittsburgh Pirates v. Atlanta Braves

By Marty Leap

Feb 28, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle (13) walks off the field before the start of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle (13) walks off the field before the start of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Atlanta Braves in Grapefruit League action this afternoon

At 1:05 PM this afternoon the Pittsburgh Pirates will host the Atlanta Braves in Grapefruit League play. This will be the Pirates’ 12th Grapefruit League game of the spring. Thus far, the Pirates are 8-3 in Grapefruit League play.

For the Pirates, Trevor Williams will make the start. So far this spring Williams has pitched three scoreless innings with three strikeouts. While the Pirates say Williams is competing for a spot in the Opening Day rotation, barring something crazy and unforeseen, he will start the year in the rotation at Triple-A.

The Pirate lineup today will be as follows:

  1. Adam Frazier – 3B
  2. Phil Gosselin – SS
  3. Austin Meadows – RF
  4. John Jaso – 1B
  5. Chris Stewart – C
  6. Max Moroff – 2B
  7. Chris Bostick – LF
  8. Eury Perez – CF
  9. Trevor Williams – P

This will be the spring debut of catcher Chris Stewart. The Pirates have been easing Stewart into things after having knee surgery in September. Even though he has not been playing in games, Stewart has still been catching bullpen session and doing all other drills.

Now that Andrew McCutchen, Francisco Cervelli, Gregory Polanco, Josh Harrison, and Starling Marte are away at the World Baseball Classic, Pirate fans should see a lot of funky looking lineups in the coming weeks. Minor League infielder Eric Wood who had played a lot early in Spring Training has left for the WBC, too.

Kevin Newman, Jacob Stallings, and Erich Weiss are all scheduled to play as well. Former St. Louis Cardinal Jamie Garcia will start for the Braves this afternoon.

Next: Should Pirate Fans Worry About A Lack Of Power?

Other Notes

  • After having knee surgery in May, first baseman Josh Bell made his first start of the spring in the Pirates 13-1 victory over the Yankees on Monday. Bell went 0-for-2 with a walk. Barring a setback, he will be ready for Opening Day.
  • Ivan Nova allowed an unearned run in three innings pitched on Monday. He has allowed that one unearned run on two hits, one walk, and two strikeouts in five innings pitched this spring.
  • Alen Hanson once again played shortstop on Monday, but went 0-for-2 at the plate.
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