#1
#1 out of 1
sports5h ago
Pirates Using Spot Start to Set Up Wilber Dotel vs. Cardinals
- The Pirates will start Mason Montgomery in the series opener while Wilber Dotel is used in a bulk-innings role against the Cardinals.
- Montgomery is expected to face the top of the Cardinals' order, including JJ Wetherholt and Alec Burleson.
- The goal is to have Montgomery give the Pirates five scoreless innings-like work before Dotel joins.
- Dotel has progressed from the minors, where he started in 84 games across 98 appearances, to a major-league debut in 2026.
- Dotel is described as an imposing 6-foot-3, 223-pound pitcher with a fastball averaging 97.1 mph and a mix of three secondary pitches.
- The Pirates aim to ease pressure on Dotel by using Montgomery in the spot-start role.
- The report is authored by Dominic Campbell for Pirates On SI, providing local insight on Pittsburgh sports.
- Montgomery's advantage vs. left-handed hitters is highlighted, including a .143 average allowed and 10 strikeouts in 15 batters faced.
- The article notes Montgomery's recent seven straight scoreless outings, reinforcing his bullpen role.
- The setup mirrors a prior Pirates strategy to manage rotations and innings with a spot start and bulk reliever.
Vote 0