PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Off day for Gregory Polanco as its game two in Cincinnati at 6:40 on 93.7 The Fan.
Polanco is just 1 for 14 this year with 3 walks, but it's not a series of days down, just Tuesday night.
"It's a day off today vs. Miley," said manager Derek Shelton. "Most of these guys are going to get a day at some point during this stretch because we are playing 162 (games) this year. You'll probably see a couple of more guys get days (off) tomorrow."
Phillip Evans, who has hit .383 with a pair of homers in 14 career games as a Pirate, moves from third to right field tonight. Evans is 4 for 8 this year starting a pair of games for the injured Ke'Bryan Hayes.
Erik Gonzalez at third tonight with Kevin Newman back in the second spot after getting yesterday off. Anthony Alford is in center.
Go ahead and flip
Shelton is one who doesn't mind the bat-flipping and showboating the Reds are becoming known for.
"I think the way our game is played now, it's played with swagger," Shelton said. "I don't think it's a bad thing. You can't take offense to swagger on either side if you are a pitcher or hitter. It goes both ways."
First lefty starter
Pirates facing their first lefty starter of the season in veteran Wade Miley. The 34-year-old was 0-3 with a 5.65 ERA with Cincinnati last season and a former teammate of Pirates starter Trevor Cahill with Arizona.
Miley has 10 career starts against the Pirates going 2-3 with a 3.98 ERA. He has given up only two home runs in 54.1 innings.
Jacob Stallings is among those who thrives off left-handers. The Bucs catcher has a career .309 average and is batting sixth Tuesday night.
Old school matchup
In the era of plus fastballs and live arms, tonight in Cahill vs. Miley is a matchup of 30-somethings who throw whatever to try and get hitters out.
"The couple of crafty pitcher ones, are the ones that give hitting coaches nightmares because you never know what you are going to get," Shelton said of the matchup. "They have the ability to spin the ball. They have the ability to get early count outs. The power guys you know what you are getting."
"These guys stay around for a reason. They say left-handers stay around forever because they can spin the ball and pitch. Cahill does the same thing from the right side. They have an idea of touch and feel of what to do. It makes for interesting games."
