After losing two of three to the Brewers in Milwaukee three weeks ago, the Pirates will try to redeem themselves at Miller Park this time around in a three game weekend series. First pitch is 8:10 and will be on ROOT Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Pitching Matchup: A.J. Burnett (3-4, 2.57 ERA) vs Marco Estrada (3-2, 5.54 ERA)

Starting Lineups

Pirates: LF Starling Marte, RF Travis Snider, CF Andrew McCutchen, 1B Gaby Sanchez, C Russell Martin, 2B Neil Walker, 3B Brandon Inge, SS Clint Barmes, P A.J. Burnett

Brewers: RF Norichka Aoki, SS Jean Segura, LF Ryan Braun, 3B Aramis Ramirez, CF Carlos Gomez, C Martin Maldonado, 1B Alex Gonzalez, 2B Jeff Bianchi, P Marco Estrada

Game Notes

A.J. Burnett has a 5.68 ERA in five career starts at Miller Park.

Andrew McCutchen’s career slugging percentage in Milwaukee is .600.

Ryan Braun is 6-for-14 against A.J. Burnett.

The Brewers are 9-3 at Miller Park this season when scoring five runs or more.

The Pirates are off to their best first half start since 1992, and a lot of that has to do with the moves that Neal Huntington has made since the beginning of 2012. Let’s breakdown some of the key transactions from Huntington in that time.

February 2012 – With two years left on his big contract with the New York Yankees, Huntington acquired A.J. Burnett in exchange for minor league outfielder Exicardo Cayones and minor league pitcher Diego Moreno. Since joining the Pirates rotation last year, Burnett has posted a 3.29 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP and an 8.8 K/9 in 41 starts, and is currently the National League’s strikeout leader.

July 2012: The Pirates found themselves in contention around the trade deadline, and looked to bolster their rotation by acquiring Wandy Rodriguez from the Houston Astros in exchange for pitchers Rudy Owens, Colton Cain and outfielder Robbie Grossman. Wandy has a 3.59 ERA along with a 1.18 WHIP since joining the Pirates.

After getting Wandy Rodriguez from the Astros, Huntington made two deals at the trade deadline, as he acquired Travis Snider from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Brad Lincoln and brought in Gaby Sanchez from the Miami Marlins for Gorkys Hernandez. Snider didn’t get much playing time after the trade due to a hamstring injury, but has done a nice job this season so far sharing the right field duties with Jose Tabata, hitting .275 along with a .767 OPS. Meanwhile, Sanchez has been solid this year in a first base platoon with Garrett Jones, batting .343 with a 1.153 OPS vs left-handed pitching to this point.

November 2012: One of Neal Huntington’s first trades of the offseason was acquiring Vin Mazzaro from the Kansas City Royals for minor league pitchers Luis Rico and Luis Santos. Although Mazzaro did not make the club out of Spring Training, he’s pitched well since being called up by the Bucs on April 18th. So far, Mazzaro has made 15 appearances with a 2.50 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP.

Huntington made his best free agent signing this past offseason by bringing in catcher Russell Martin on a two-year deal. Martin has certainly been as advertised both offensively and defensively, posting an .844 OPS and throwing out 41% of baserunners (12% above the league average) thus far.

December 2012: While several teams were looking to sign Jason Grilli at the Winter Meetings, the Pirates looked to bring him back, and did just that, as they re-signed Grilli to a two-year contract. The move to bring Grilli back seemed to indicate that Joel Hanrahan would be dealt due to a huge salary raise in arbitration. Grilli has been solid as the Pirates closer this season, posting a 1.22 ERA, an 0.74 WHIP, a 14.1 K/9 and currently has a Major League leading 19 saves to this point.

With the re-signing of Grilli, Neal Huntington did indeed trade Joel Hanrahan by dealing him to the Boston Red Sox along with Brock Holt in a package that included Mark Melancon, Jerry Sands, Ivan De Jesus and Stolmy Pimentel. Many fans along with most media outlets, viewed the move as yet another salary dump by Huntington. The reality is that for as good as Hanrahan was as the Pirates closer, small market teams can’t afford to overpay for closers, whether it’d be through arbitration or the free agent market. Melancon was projected to be the Pirates setup man to Jason Grilli, and has been lights out, putting up an 0.72 ERA, an 0.80 WHIP and a 9.4 K/9 in 25 appearances.

January 2013: Much like the Vin Mazzaro deal, Neal Huntington made another minor trade by acquiring Jeanmar Gomez from the Cleveland Indians for minor league outfielder Quincy Latimore. Despite a subpar Spring Training, Gomez made the club as the long reliever, mainly because he was out of options. Gomez to this point as been a pleasant surprise, pitching in ten games (five starts) with a 2.75 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.

February 2013: Huntington agreed to a two-year deal with Francisco Liriano back in late December, but was put on hold due to an injury to Liriano’s non-throwing arm. The two sides struck a revised two-year deal about a month in a half later. Liriano spent all of Spring Training throwing off a mound and pitching bullpen sessions, and stayed in extended Spring until he was able to make rehab starts for some of the Pirates affiliates. Liriano was dominant in his rehab outings, and so far it’s carried over in his first three starts with the Pirates, posting an even 1.00 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and a 12.5 K/9.

In addition to these moves that Huntington has made since last year, consider the other moves that are starting to look good, such as getting Bryan Morris in the Jason Bay trade in 2008, acquiring Jeff Locke as part of the 2009 Nate McLouth deal, bringing in Michael McKenry from the Red Sox for only cash considerations nearly two years ago, and the decision to convert Justin Wilson into a hard-throwing lefty reliever.

I’m not saying that every one of these moves are going to all pan out, but I think it’s fair to say that most of them will and should lead to good things for the Pirates and Neal Huntington moving forward.

AAA: Indianapolis over Buffalo by a final of 7-3.

Brandon Cumpton threw five innings, giving up a pair of runs on four hits, walked two and struckout four in the victory (2.91 ERA). Matt Hague went 2-for-5 (.297) with a two-run homer (2). Felix Pie was 2-for-3 (.277) with a double, two walks, a pair of stolen bases (17,18) and scored twice. Alex Presley went 1-for-4 (.276) with a solo shot (4) and a walk. Jerry Sands also goes 1-for-4 (.188) and drove in two runs.

AA: Altoona/Reading tied 2-2 in the seventh inning (Game suspended due to rain).

High A: Bradenton defeated Tampa by a score of 12-4.

Adrian Sampson pitched five innings, gave up two runs (both unearned) on nine hits, walked a batter and had four strikeouts to pick up the win (6.10 ERA). Eric Avila was 1-for-3 (.102) with a three-run double. Chris Lashmet went 1-for-3 (.211) and also had three RBI. Dan Gamache was 2-for-4 (.286) with a double, an RBI, a walk and scored three runs. Gregory Polanco went 1-for-5 with a two-run double and came around to score. Alen Hanson was 1-for-4 (.286) with a walk and scored a run.

Low A: West Virginia defeats Lakewood 3-2 in 12 innings.

Tyler Glasnow had the strikeout working, as he goes five innings, allowing two runs on two hits, walked a couple and punched out 12 in the no-decision. Eric Wood went 3-for-6 (.296) with an RBI. Walker Gourley was 2-for-6 (.325) including a triple and an RBI. Josh Bell went 2-for-5 (.278) with a triple, walked and came into score. Stetson Allie was 1-for-4 (.329) with a home run (13) and drew a pair of walks.

According to Pirates Prospects Tim Williams, the Pirates have placed pitcher Vic Black on the AAA disabled list with a left oblique injury. Black suffered the injury a couple days ago in the eighth inning against Pawtucket. In 19 appearances this season for Indianapolis, Black has posted a 2.62 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and a 12.4 K/9. It remains unclear how severe the injury is or how long he’ll be out for.

The Pirates will wrap up their 10 game homestand today, and will look to sweep the Chicago Cubs in the process. ROOT Sports and 93.7 The Fan will have the game at 12:35.

Pitching Matchup: Edwin Jackson (1-6, 5.76 ERA) vs Jeanmar Gomez (2-0, 2.78 ERA)

Starting Lineups

Cubs: CF David DeJesus, SS Starlin Castro, 1B Anthony Rizzo, LF Alfonso Soriano, RF Nate Schierholtz, C Wellington Castillo, 3B Luis Valbuena, 2B Darwin Barney, P Edwin Jackson

Pirates: LF Starling Marte, RF Travis Snider, CF Andrew McCutchen, 1B Garrett Jones, 2B Neil Walker, C Michael McKenry, 3B Pedro Alvarez, SS Clint Barmes, P Jeanmar Gomez

Game Notes

Edwin Jackson has a 3.20 ERA in four career starts at PNC Park.

David DeJesus  is hitting .319 along with a .949 OPS against right-handed pitching this year.

Andrew McCutchen is batting .308 (4-for-13) with a pair of home runs in his career vs Edwin Jackson.

Garrett Jones is currently slugging .500 vs right-handers this season.

AAA: Indianapolis had an off day.

AA: Reading defeats Altoona by a score of 7-5.

David Bromberg pitches 7.1 innings, gave up four unearned on six hits, didn’t walk a batter and struckout eight in a no-decision (3.76 ERA). Mel Rojas was 2-for-5 (.233) with a double, a triple and drove in a run. Andrew Lambo went 1-for-4 (.286) with a home run (9). Charlie Cutler was 1-for-3 (.322) and hit his first homer of the season.

High A: Bradenton wins 12-4 over Tampa.

Zack Dodson threw six innings, allowed two runs on six hits, walked one and had five strikeouts to pick up the win (3.04 ERA). Gregory Polanco goes 4-for-5 (.325) including a home run (6) and three RBI. Alen Hanson also went 4-for-5 (.287) with a pair of triples, a double, an RBI and scored three times. Dan Grovatt (.179) and Elias Diaz (.265) were both 1-for-3 with a homer and two RBI.

Low A: West Virginia defeated Kannapolis by a final of 8-6.

Clay Holmes pitched just four innings, giving up five runs on eight hits, walked a pair and fanned five in the loss (6.08 ERA). D.J. Crumlich was 3-for-4 (.269) with a double, a walk and scored two runs. Dilson Herrera went 3-for-5 (.314) with a double and an RBI. Stetson Allie was 2-for-5 (.331) with a triple, a pair of RBI and scored twice. Junior Sosa also goes 2-for-5 (.230) with a stolen base (4) and a run scored. Josh Bell had the night off.

The Pirates will be looking for their seventh win on the homestand, as they face the Cubs in the second game of the three game set. First pitch is 7:05  on ROOT Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Pitching Matchup: Jeff Samardzija (2-5, 3.49 ERA) vs Francisco Liriano (2-0, 1.64 ERA)

Starting lineups

Cubs: CF Julio Borbon, SS Starlin Castro, 1B Anthony Rizzo, LF Alfonso Soriano, RF Scott Hariston, C Wellington Castillo, 3B Cody Ransom, 2B Darwin Barney, P Jeff Samardzija

Pirates: LF Starling Marte, RF Travis Snider, CF Andrew McCutchen, 1B Garrett Jones, 2B Neil Walker, C Russell Martin, 3B Pedro Alvarez, SS Jordy Mercer, P Francisco Liriano

Game Notes

Jeff Samardzija has allowed just two earned runs in his last three starts (25 IP) against the Pirates.

Starlin Castro has struggled against left-handed pitching this season, hitting just .232 with a .575 OPS.

Travis Snider has a .436 slugging percentage vs right-handed pitching so far this year.

AAA: Pawtucket wins 9-8 over Indianapolis.

Andy Oliver threw five innings, giving up six runs (three earned) on four hits, walked four and struckout six in the loss (2.87 ERA). Jerry Sands was 3-for-5 (.186) including a home run (3) and double. Matt Hague went 3-for-5 (.294) with three doubles, an RBI and a run scored. Josh Harrison was 3-for-5 (.310) with two doubles, an RBI and scored twice. Tony Sanchez went 2-for-2 (.310) with a two-run homer (4) and drew a pair of walks. Jared Goedert goes 1-for-5 (.235) and also hit a two-run home run for his fifth of the season.

AA: Reading shuts out Altoona 3-0.

Charlie Morton pitches 4.2 innings, allowed two runs on four hits, walked a couple and had three strikeouts in the loss. Andrew Lambo went 1-for-4 (.287). Drew Maggi was also 1-for-4 (.246). Mel Rojas (.228) and Carlos Paulino (.215) both went 1-for-3.

High A: Tampa blanks Bradenton by a score of 7-0.

Robby Rowland pitched five innings, surrendered five runs (four earned) on two hits, walked four and struckout a pair in defeat (4.84 ERA). Gregory Polanco was 2-for-4 (.309) with a stolen base (18). Alen Hanson went 1-for-4 (.271). Dan Gamache (.273) and Dan Grovatt (.167) were both 1-for-3.

Low A: West Virginia defeated Kannapolis 9-3.

Orlando Castro goes six scoreless, walking one and had four strikeouts to pick up the victory (1.95 ERA). Stetson Allie went 2-for-4 (.329) with a pair of home runs (11,12). Dilson Herrera was 3-for-5 (.305) including a  two-run homer (his fifth) and four RBI. Max Moroff went 2-for-4 (.223) with two RBI, a walk and came around to score twice. Josh Bell was 0-for-5 (.275).

After a day off yesterday, the Pirates resume their homestand by taking on the Chicago Cubs in a three game series beginning tonight at 7:05. Both ROOT Sports and 93.7 The Fan will have the action.

Pitching Matchup: Matt Garza (NR) vs Wandy Rodriguez (4-2, 3.25 ERA)

Starting Lineups

Cubs: CF Julio Borbon, SS Starlin Castro, 1B Anthony Rizzo, LF Alfonso Soriano, RF Scott Hairston, C Wellington Castillo, 3B Cody Ransom, 2B Darwin Barney, P Matt Garza

Pirates: LF Jose Tabata, 2B Neil Walker, CF Andrew McCutchen, RF Garrett Jones, C Russell Martin, 3B Pedro Alvarez, 1B Gaby Sanchez, SS Clint Barmes, P Wandy Rodriguez

Game Notes

Matt Garza makes his 2013 season debut, after suffering a strained left lat muscle during Spring Training.

Alfonso Soriano is only hitting .136 (6-for-44) with a .396 OPS lifetime against Wandy Rodriguez.

Despite batting from the left side, Anthony Rizzo is batting .321 (1.012 OPS) with five doubles and four home runs vs left-handed pitching so far this year.

Wandy Rodriguez went 6.2 scoreless innings in his last start against the Cubs on April 3rd.

Pedro Alvarez is 5-for-10 with a homer vs Matt Garza.

AAA: Indianapolis wins 8-4 over Pawtucket.

Brooks Brown goes 6.2 innings, giving up three runs on eight hits to pick up the win (3.72 ERA). Jared Goedert went 3-for-4(.237) with a homer (4) and two RBI. Jerry Sands was 1-for-4 (.170) with a grand slam. Felix Pie went 2-for-5 (.270) with an RBI and a run scored.

AA: Reading defeats Altoona by a score of 6-3.

Stolmy Pimentel pitched seven innings, gave up five runs on eight hits, walked one and struckout five in defeat (3.35 ERA). Adalberto Santos was 2-for-4 (.276) with a home run (2). Jarek Cunningham went 1-for-4 (.211) with a homer (7). Mel Rojas was 1-for-3 (.225) with a triple and scored a run.

High A: Tampa over Bradenton by a final of 2-1.

Eliecer Navarro threw six innings, allowing two runs on four hits, walked a batter and had six strikeouts in the loss (3.78 ERA). Dan Gamache went 1-for-4 (.272) and drove in the only run of the game for the Marauders. Alen Hanson was 2-for-4 (.272) including a double. Gregory Polanco went 1-for-4 (.303) and came around to score.

Low A: West Virginia cruises to an 11-2 victory over Kannapolis.

Joely Rodriguez tossed six shutout innings, walked one and struckout three in the win (2.76 ERA). Stetson Allie was 3-for-4 (.325) with a double, three RBI, walked and scored twice. Max Moroff went 3-for-5 (.215) with a double and also scored two runs. Josh Bell was 2-for-4 (.283) with a double, two RBI, a walk and scored a pair of runs. Walker Gourley went 1-for-3 (.333) with a two-run homer (2), walked and stole two bases (5,6).