Game time: 7:05PM ET
Probable starters:
NYM: Noah Syndergaard (6-2, 1.91 ERA)
PIT: Jameson Taillon (0-0, -.-- ERA)
In the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft, 36 spots separated Jameson Taillon and Noah Syndergaard. The Pirates took Taillon No. 2 overall, and the Blue Jays drafted Syndergaard at No. 38 in the supplemental first round. Their paths have since diverged, but the former elite pitching prospects will clash Wednesday as the Pirates and Mets finish their series.
After rising through Minor League ranks, Syndergaard was a candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2015. This season, he has a 6-2 record, a 1.91 ERA and a WHIP of 0.96.
Meanwhile, after battling back from two years of injuries, Taillon will be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to make his Major League debut on Wednesday. With a doubleheader on Tuesday, a makeup game in Colorado on Thursday and a series vs. the Cardinals beginning Friday, fresh arms are in short supply for Pittsburgh.
"I'm going to try to slow the game down the best I can, go out there, really keep doing what I've been doing in Triple-A," Taillon said. "The hitters get a little bit better, and there's more fans in the stands. Fill up the strike zone and be confident."
With a doubleheader on Tuesday, make-up game in Colorado on Thursday and series vs. the Cardinals beginning Friday, fresh arms are in short supply in Pittsburgh. However, it's unclear if Taillon will stay in the Pirates' rotation or if this is a spot start.
"It might be a hidden lining that you didn't pitch for a period of time," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "He's got a full gas tank."
Taillon may have been called up long ago were it not for Tommy John surgery in April 2014 and, just as he was nearing a comeback, surgery to repair an inguinal hernia last July. In 2016, Taillon has walked six batters and has a 4-2 record with a 2.04 ERA and a WHIP of 0.81. It's unclear if Taillon will stay in the Pirates' rotation or if this is a spot start, but Hurdle won't hold him to unreasonable expectations in his first start at PNC Park.
"We do believe he's worked hard," Hurdle said. "The opportunity is his."
Things to know about this game
• The Mets are 1-8 at PNC Park since the beginning of the 2014 season.
• Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison entered Tuesday with the third-highest batting average (.313) and the fourth-most RBIs (25) among NL second basemen.
• Syndergaard is 4-1 with a 1.85 ERA in five road starts this season.
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/201606071 ... _pk=447758
BEAT 'EM BUCS!!!
