Bucs adjust rotation, lining up Cole vs. Cards
Ace to face Brewers on Tuesday, close series in St. Louis
PITTSBURGH -- With the Pirates' scheduled off-day on Monday, manager Clint Hurdle has adjusted his pitching plans for the next two series against National League Central foes Milwaukee and St. Louis. The moves assure that ace right-hander Gerrit Cole will get a start against the division-leading Cardinals.
Cole will start the series opener in Milwaukee on Tuesday night, followed by lefty Jeff Locke on Wednesday and lefty Francisco Liriano on Thursday.
For the weekend series in St. Louis, lefty J.A. Happ starts Friday, followed by right-hander Charlie Morton on Saturday and Cole in the Sunday series finale.
"We tightened that up yesterday," Hurdle said at PNC Park before Sunday's series finale with the Rockies. "We've got some plans in place and plans moving forward, and this is the way we're breaking out of it."
Video: PIT@MIA: Cole holds Marlins to one run over 7 1/3
Cole will be in the spotlight for the nationally televised Sunday night game on Sept. 6 against the Cardinals and relishes the moment.
"Any opportunity to throw against the Cardinals is going to be a good one," Cole said. "Without thinking too far ahead, we need to take care of Tuesday against Milwaukee, that's the main priority."