Final: Reds 15, Pirates 5

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by • Game previews

JOSH
CINCINNATI — Looking ahead to first pitch …

Game: Pirates (59-41) vs. Cincinnati Reds (45-54), 7:10 p.m., Great American Ball Park

Pitchers: RHP A.J. Burnett (8-4, 2.68) vs. LHP David Holmberg (season debut)

TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan

Online: Gameday | Multimedia | Media notes

Update 3:38 p.m.: Vance Worley has been designated for assignment to clear space for Joe Blanton, obviously more than a little surprising.

4:10: Worley didn’t sound too pleased by it:

4:25: Worley was a very, very well liked guy in the clubhouse. He received a number of hugs on his way out of the visitor’s clubhouse in Cincinnati a few minutes ago. Blanton admitted that, like Worley, he was looking forward to again playing with a former teammate. “That’s the part of the business that stinks,” Blanton said. Clint Hurdle said that, while parting with Worley wasn’t easy, the Pirates never felt like he completely adjusted to life in the bullpen. The Pirates simply feel that he is a starting pitcher, and expecting him to remain in the bullpen simply wasn’t fair. As you could probably sense from the above video, Worley, who is a good-natured fellow, was extremely polite but didn’t take the news well. One got the feeling that Worley, along with some of his teammates, was very surprised that he was the man removed from the roster. … Look for the Pirates to use Blanton in a slightly different role. While he will handle some of the long relief duty that had been Worley’s primary responsibility, the Pirates, according to Hurdle, will not hesitate to use him in short relief as well. Also, should a doubleheader pop up on the schedule – or, should the Pirates wish to be careful with the innings pitched of a particular starting pitcher, choosing to skip someone’s spot in the rotation – look for Blanton to get the start. … Good news for the Pirates: TODD FRAZIER ISN’T IN THE LINEUP! Frazier has absolutely owned the Pirates for a couple of years now, but has hit a prolonged slump following his remarkable Home Run Derby performance in this very ballpark. The Reds decided to give him the night off, which surely won’t upset the Pirates. … Today is Hurdle’s birthday. He was asked if he had received any good presents. “No,” he said, pointing to an empty corner in his office with a smile on his face. “That’s where I’m stacking all my good gifts.” Maybe another player is on the way, which might enhance his birthday. … Gregory Polanco’s knee is well enough for him to be back in the lineup tonight. He’s been walking with a limp all season following games but has managed to play through the discomfort. … In a sign that Aramis Ramirez’s presence has made the Pirates a deeper team, Neil Walker is batting eighth tonight.

7:19: Polanco’s knee is apparently fine, as he led off the game with a bunt single. Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen and Ramirez were then retired. It should be noted that McCutchen and Ramirez hit the ball hard off Holmberg. Marte had some good swings, too. Nobody looked fooled.

7:30: Reds 3, Pirates 0: Marlon Byrd just hit a 438-foot blast to center off Burnett, who commented following his last start that expecting him to repeat what he did in the first half of the season isn’t likely. Indeed. The Reds are squaring the ball up early and often.

7:40: Reds 3, Pirates 1: And the Bucs are on the board thanks to Pedro Alvarez, who launched a solo shot to right. Off a lefty, no less. He put on a remarkable batting practice display – more than usual – and it carried over to the game.

8:15: Reds 4, Pirates 1: Jay Bruce with a sac fly. But more importantly, some interesting words just now from GM Neal Huntington. He isn’t necessarily done making trades, but essentially ruled out acquiring a starting pitcher. He also made a bizarre comment when asked if Burnett, whose velocity is down tonight, is injured. “I’m watching the same game you are,” Huntington said. “If something is amiss, we’ll let you know after the game.”

8:33: Reds 5, Pirates 1: Brandon Phillips drives in Billy Hamilton. In other news, A.J., who doesn’t look himself physically tonight, is ready to snap. He and Joe West are having words. A.J. also was just visibly upset with the dugout and Ray Searage because of how the infield was positioned during Phillips’ at-bat.

8:41: A.J. gets out of the jam and his fastball hits 94 MPH a number of times. OK, then. Perhaps his health is just fine, but rather, he was laying off the velocity in an attempt to find his command. It’s all over the place.

9:07: Reds 9, Pirates 1: Deolis Guerra replaces Burnett and promptly gives up a three-run homer to Phillips.

9:23: Reds 11, Pirates 1: Poor Guerra really had his struggles. Needed 40 pitches to get two outs. One of those nights.

9:33: Reds 11, Pirates 2: Chris Stewart with a sac fly. Carry on. Nothing to see here.

9:54: Reds 14, Pirates 2: Is anyone still reading? You’re a trooper if you are. Happy birthday to Clint, eh?

10:15: Reds, 14, Pirates 5: Cutch with an RBI single and Ramirez with a two-run double.

10:35: Reds 15, Pirates 5: And look out because Jaff Decker is the new pitcher.

10:48: Decker with a scoreless inning. It has mercifully come to an end, this game.

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 10: Starling Marte #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during a workout prior to the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on July 10, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Starling Marte is 14 for 32 — .438 — in his past eight games. — GETTY