CINCINNATI -- As expected, given how the Pirates’ rotation is constructed, left-hander Tyler Anderson will be pitching the Pirates’ home opener Thursday against the Cubs.
Anderson signed a one-year deal with the Pirates shortly after spring training got started. He was one of two veteran starters -- the other being right-hander Trevor Cahill -- the Pirates brought in during camp to help fill the innings the team lost this offseason by trading Joe Musgrove and Jameson Taillon.
He went 4-3 with a 4.37 ERA with the Giants last season.
Anderson made his Pirates debut Saturday, allowing three runs over five innings and taking the loss against the Cubs. He pitched better than his box score would indicate, though. Two of those runs came when the Pirates’ drawn-in infield in the second inning backfired, and the other was a wind-aided solo home run by Kris Bryant in the third. Anderson got 22 whiffs and seven strikeouts in that first start.
“I thought he did a good job,” Derek Shelton said about his starter after the game. “He used his curveball effectively when he did use it. It was a good outing for him.”
Anderson made five starts this spring, allowing 10 earned runs over 18 innings pitched. He struck out 18, walked two and allowed six home runs while in Florida.
First pitch for the home opener is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. The Cubs have not announced a starter at this time.
After an off-day Friday so players can settle in back home, Mitch Keller will get the start in the second game of the series Saturday. The 25-year-old was wild in his first start of the season Sunday, walking four and allowing three runs over three innings pitched.
While not official yet, JT Brubaker is in line to pitch the finale Sunday.
