Oh look, Howie back in LF

Phil Gurnee ♦ June 24, 2016 ♦ Leave a comment

Doc Roberts just loves his Howie Kendrick. Lots of interesting things with the Dodger/Pirates lineup tonight.

Howie Kendrick gets the nod in LF over Trayce Thompson. Of course he does.  Not only does Howie get to start in LF he gets to bat fifth. Not bad for a guy who has hit .186 as the starting left fielder since May 25th. I do have to admit that Howie’s defense in LF has seemed to be getting better. Wednesday’s hero Puig finds himself batting eighth.

Gregory Polanco is going to sit this one out for the Pirates. Starling Marte is back in the starting lineup. Josh Harrison also takes a seat. Replacing Polanco will be Matt Joyce who enjoys hitting against right-hand pitchers. Sean Rodriquez will replace Josh Harrison at 2nd base.

Interesting pitching matchup with one of the Pirates top two prospects James Taillon taking the mound against journeyman Nick Tepesch