Pirates pre-game notes: Three catchers again likely for wild-card game

Though the Pirates have three games remaining against the Reds -- important games that will determine where the Pirates play -- manager Clint Hurdle, the coaches and the front office have begun planning for Wednesday’s wild-card game against the Cubs.

Hurdle implied that the Pirates will again carry three catchers, as they have in each of the past two wild-card games.

“I’ve heard both sides of it,” Hurdle said. “People say, why would you need a third catcher? I say, well, you know what, if I have to send Sean Rodriguez behind home plate in that game I might as well just walk out of the building. From my perspective, I might want five catchers. From the perspective of protecting yourself because it can make sense. Very rarely do you use a third catcher. Well, this is one game. Who knows what might happen? [Francisco] Cervelli’s taken a ding or two this year. We’ve gone out on the field and checked on him a couple times. That’s always in play.”

Hurdle talked about Cervelli, who has taken a beating this year, tongue in cheek.

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The Reds have lost 12 games in a row, their longest streak since 1993. If they lose tonight, their 13-game losing streak will tie a mark set in 1945. Tonight’s game is the 108th for the Reds this season started by a rookie pitcher and 62nd in a row. Nine different rookies have started during that time.

Three Reds -- Jumbo Diaz, Collin Balester and Ramon Cabrera -- have Pirates ties. Cabrera started his career in the Pirates organization but was traded to the Tigers for Andy Oliver. The Pirates later re-acquired Cabrera on waivers last season, but released him. He is 9 for 26 in his 12 major league games.

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The Pirates lead the Cubs by two games and have a magic number of two to clinch home-field advantage. Jake Arrieta has a 1.97 ERA in 105 innings at home, 1.68 ERA in 118 innings on the road, and opposing batting averages of less than .200 home and away, so best of luck either way.

Despite implying on three occasions that Gerrit Cole will start the wild-card game, Hurdle did not name a starter when asked. “I don’t think it’s going to shock anybody but we’ll make a formal announcement on who’s gonna get that game and then we’ll go from there,” he said.