Byrd, Buck to be in uniform for Bucs vs. Crew

Pirates welcome new additions, try to keep pace in Central

By Cash Kruth / MLB.com | 8/27/2013 11:45 PM ET

Brewers vs Pirates

• Wednesday 8/28, 7:05 PM ET at PNC Park
• Radio: MIL: WTMJ 620, Brewers Radio Network PIT: KDKA-FM 93.7
• TV: MIL: FSWI PIT: ROOT SPORTS

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This is why the Pirates traded for Marlon Byrd.

The right-handed hitter, acquired from the Mets on Tuesday, figures to get his first start with his new club on Wednesday at PNC Park against Brewers left-hander Tom Gorzelanny.

Byrd his hitting .345 with a .980 OPS against left-handers this season.

“[General manager Neal Huntington] had diligently looked since the middle of June for ways to strengthen our club. This was a very good get for us — help balance us a little bit better, and provide some much needed offense,” said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle. “Marlon has an impactful bat with significant numbers against left-handed pitching, in some areas we’ve been looking to improve.”

Byrd and John Buck — who will be one of two backups, along with Tony Sanchez, behind catcher Russell Martin — will arrive in Pittsburgh and suit up for the Pirates against Gorzelanny. Buck provides power and depth, while Byrd is a veteran presence who also plays solid defense.

Byrd figures to start in right field, with Jose Tabata remaining in left.

The Pirates hope the move jolts their offense, and it couldn’t come at a better time. Pittsburgh has lost three straight and is 1 1/2 games back of first place St. Louis in the National League Central.

The Pirates don’t necessarily need the added offense against the Brewers, who they are 9-5 against this season. Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke was surprised and impressed with the Bucs’ acquisition of Byrd and Buck.

“Marlon Byrd is having a heck of a year,” Roenicke said. “Buck started off fast and cooled off, but he’s still a nice, experienced catcher. That’s a nice move. I’m surprised those guys got that far through [waivers].”

Brewers: Gorzelanny looks to rebound
Gorzelanny lasted only 3 2/3 innings against the Cardinals his last time out, giving up seven runs on a season-high 10 hits and a walk. He’s surrendered 12 runs in two outings since tossing seven innings of shutout ball against the Mariners, but has won his last two road starts.

He’s allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings of relief against Pirates this year.

• Jim Henderson has recorded a save in each of his last 12 appearances, a franchise record.

• Aramis Ramirez’s fourth-inning home run on Tuesday was the 350th of his career.

Pirates: Morton on the mound
Right-hander Charlie Morton takes the hill opposite Gorzelanny on Wednesday looking to build upon a series of solid, consistent starts that has raised his stock to a dependable No. 3 starter. He’s pitched 27 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs, in his last four starts and hasn’t allowed a home run in his last 38 2/3 innings.

Morton is 0-4 with a 6.25 ERA in seven career starts against Milwaukee.

• Starling Marte, who suffered a bruise and ligament damage to his right hand on Aug. 18, will not need surgery and will instead rest for two weeks before picking up a bat.

• Center fielder Andrew McCutchen has an eight-game hitting streak (.400) against Milwaukee.

Worth noting
• Pittsburgh’s Garrett Jones and McCutchen are each one homer shy of 100 for their careers.

• The Brewers are 11-6 in their last 17 road games.

• Pittsburgh hasn’t committed an error in its last 57 innings.

Cash Kruth is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @cashkruth. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.