Ian Kennedy takes on Kevin Correia as the Pirates continue their series against the Diamondbacks Wednesday night at 7:05.
Correia is making a spot start, giving the Pirates' rotation an extra day of rest in the midst of a brutal 20 straight days without an off day.
Of course, when a team uses a spot starter, they're rarely the favorite, and that's the case here. Correia made one relief appearance after being bumped from the rotation in favor of newly-acquired Wandy Rodriguez, and in that relief appearance, Correia allowed four earned runs against the Astros. He won his last six decisions, but has a mediocre performance record overall. Kennedy, meanwhile, has struck out 24 batters and walked just three in his last six starts. His main vulnerability this year has been the home run -- he's allowed 19 so far this year. Part of that is a function of pitching in a tough home park, but hopefully the Pirates, as a good home-run-hitting team, can take advantage Wednesday night at PNC.
For more on the Diamondbacks, check out AZ Snake Pit. For more on the Pirates, there's Bucs Dugout.