McCutchen Returns to Pittsburgh with San Francisco Giants

After being traded to the San Francisco Giants for Kyle Crick and Bryan Reynolds, former Pirate outfielder Andrew McCutchen makes his return to PNC Park to face his old team. 

In 673 games, McCutchen hit 92 home runs and stole 92 bases, with a career line of .304/.394/.498 at his old stomping ground. I’m expecting a good return for the now Giant’s veteran right fielder.

The Pirates are currently tied for second place in the NL Central, only a 1/2 game behind the Cardinals. This is the Giants first opponent in the central division, and the Pirates second in the western division.

Last season, the Giants bested the Pirates 5-1 in games faced against each other, including a three-game road sweep at the end of June. The Giants will look to get their road trip back on track in another three game set.

Here are the matchups…

Game One: The New vs. The Slightly New

Andrew Suarez dealt the Braves a deciding blow, which secured the sweep for the Giants last weekend. He has only given up two earned runs in his last two starts. The biggest note is that he has only walked two over his first three starts in the majors. This will be the first time the Pirates see Suarez.

Jameson Taillon has some experience against the Giants, giving up 12 earned runs and 15 hits, and getting a loss and a no decision in those two games.

Taillon will have a challenge against Buster Posey, to whom he has surrendered two doubles. Posey has four hits in five at-bats against the right-handed starter.

Additionally, Brandon Crawford is 2-for-4 against Taillon with a double and a walk. Posey is just coming off a four-game multi-hit streak, or a six-game hit streak if you like bigger numbers.