What's Happening?
Bubba Chandler, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is set to start Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals. Chandler initially impressed with a 2.25 ERA and 0.83 WHIP over 12 innings in three bulk-relief appearances. However, his first MLB start against the Milwaukee Brewers resulted in a challenging performance, where he allowed nine earned runs on nine hits and three walks over just 2.2 innings, leading to a 10-2 loss. Despite this setback, the Pirates are giving Chandler another opportunity to start, although continued struggles may lead to a reassignment to his previous relief role.
Why It's Important?
Chandler's upcoming start is significant for both his career and the Pirates' pitching strategy. His initial relief appearances showed promise, but his performance as a starter against the Brewers raised concerns. The decision to start him again indicates the Pirates' willingness to invest in his development, potentially impacting their rotation and bullpen dynamics. For Chandler, this is a crucial opportunity to demonstrate his ability to handle starting duties at the major league level, which could influence his future role with the team and his career trajectory.
What's Next?
Chandler's performance in the upcoming game against the Nationals will be closely watched. If he can rebound from his previous outing, it may solidify his position as a starter. However, another poor performance could lead the Pirates to reconsider his role, possibly returning him to a relief position. The team's management will likely evaluate his progress and make decisions that could affect their pitching strategy for the remainder of the season.
