The Pirates' matchup against the Reds Sunday afternoon (1:10) is incredibly important, as it will make the difference between the Pirates leaving Cincinnati 4.5 games back or 6.5 games back.
With that said, you'd think it would behoove Clint Hurdle to act like the game is important. His lineup for Sunday afternoon's contest makes very little sense. Not only does the ultra-hot Michael McKenry continue to sit in favor of Rod Barajas (it's true that teams usually use two different catchers on a night game and a day game the following day, but McKenry also sat Friday), but Pedro Alvarez and Travis Snider sit as well, and Josh Harrison and Gaby Sanchez start in their place. It's true that Alvarez and Snider aren't exactly lighting up the scoreboards right now, but Reds starter Homer Bailey is a righty, and Alvarez and Snider are both lefties. And Sanchez doesn't really hit anyone but lefties.
Starling Marte LF
Josh Harrison 3B
Andrew McCutchen CF
Garrett Jones RF
Neil Walker 2B
Gaby Sanchez 1B
Rod Barajas C
Clint Barmes SS
A.J. Burnett P
Reds:
Zack Cozart SS
Drew Stubbs CF
Jay Bruce RF
Ryan Ludwick LF
Todd Frazier 3B
Miguel Cairo 1B
Wilson Valdez 2B
Ryan Hanigan C
Homer Bailey P
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