DETROIT — Joe Musgrove, the right-handed starting pitcher acquired from the Astros in the Gerrit Cole trade, will make his debut with the Pirates on Thursday against the Reds at PNC Park, Neal Huntington told reporters Sunday at Comerica Park.
Musgrove, 25, was limited to only three starts in the Grapefruit League because he missed time at the beginning of spring with right shoulder discomfort. However, he threw 92 pitches in six innings against the Gulf Coast League Pirates on Saturday in Bradenton in preparation for this first start in a Pirates uniform.
With the day-night doubleheader Sunday, the Pirates were forced to reorder their rotation, with Trevor Williams now scheduled to pitch Friday against the Reds and Chad Kuhl on Saturday. Jameson Taillon is starting the home opener against the Twins Monday, followed by Ivan Nova on Wednesday.
"With the day-night doubleheader, we've had to juggle our rotation a little bit," Huntington said. "He was going to come back in the middle of that Cincinnati series, but as we sit here today he'll come back on his fifth day, which will be April 5. Trevor and Chad will come back behind him, one on a normal day and one with an extra day of rest."
Musgrove allowed nine earned runs in 11 2/3 innings for the Pirates this spring, recording a 1.54 WHIP and 6.94 ERA. His command was shaky at times, particularly with his breaking pitches. However, he showed progress in his final start by allowing just one earned run in five innings against the Blue Jays.
Musgrove had a 1.44 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 31 1/3 innings in relief for the Astros last season. On the other hand, he had a 6.12 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 78 innings as a starter. The Pirates acquired him to start, filling Cole’s spot in the rotation.