Pirates pre-game notes: Hurdle breaks down Zach Davies

MILWAUKEE -- Zach Davies is listed at six-feet, 160 pounds. He’s 22 years old. Tonight he opposes Jeff Locke.

“It might look like an American Legion game out there today,” manager Clint Hurdle said.

Davies, who joined the Brewers from Baltimore in the Gerardo Parra trade, makes his major league debut tonight. He had a 3.30 ERA in 1281/3 innings in Class AAA this season, a 2.84 mark with Norfolk and a 5.00 mark in 27 innings in the more hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League after the trade.

“He's a strike thrower,” Hurdle said. “Probably if I had to give you a guy, Seth Maness with the Cardinals. He's that type of pitcher. Sinker-ball guy, going to work the ball to both sides of the plate, more action east and west. He's going to throw his changeup, probably his go-to pitch. Throws a curveball as well.”

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Minor league promotions:

RHP Matt Benedict and OF Mel Rojas Jr. were promoted to Class AAA Indianapolis. Rojas started the year there but was demoted after posting a .608 OPS. 

OF Austin Meadows, the Pirates’ No. 3 prospect entering the season, and RHP Tyler Eppler were promoted to Class AA Altoona.

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RHP Carlos Martinez will start for the Cardinals Friday, not Lance Lynn. Jaime Garcia and John Lackey will still start Saturday and Sunday.