PHOENIX -- The Pirates have yet to announce a starter for Saturday night in San Diego and it will be interesting to see what they decide.
Clint Hurdle said Tuesday that Trevor Williams and Jordan Lyles will pitch the first two games of the four-game series.
“That’s all I’ve got,” Hurdle said with a smile before the Pirates played the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. “That’s a tease.”
Hurdle did say he and Ray Searage have talked about various options for Saturday but have not decided.
The Pirates have various directions they can go, including:
• Choosing between Steven Brault and Nick Kingham, who both moved into the rotation last week because of injuries to Chris Archer and Jameson Taillon. Archer is scheduled to be activated from the injured list Wednesday afternoon to pitch against the Diamondbacks, meaning the Pirates no longer need both Brault and Kingham in the rotation.
Brault and Kingham have each made two starts and neither has impressed. Brault has allowed eight runs and 11 hits in 7 2/3 innings and Kingham has given up nine runs and 13 hits in eight innings.
• Giving Chris Stratton a chance. The right-hander was acquired last Saturday from the Angels in a trade. He made five starts for Los Angeles this season but was 0-2 with a 7.04 ERA.
• Using an “opener,” a relief pitcher who could pitch an inning or two then give way to a more traditional starter or a parade of multi-inning relievers. Francisco Liriano might be the best choice for that role as he has made 300 starts in his 14-year career.
PERROTTO'S VIEW
I'd give Stratton a shot and see what he can do. While he hasn't had much success in the major leagues, he has some pedigree — he was the Giants' first-round draft pick in 2012 from Mississippi State.
