Pirates Name Starting Pitcher vs. Marlins

Mlodzinski didn't make the greatest impression against the Mets, giving up five runs over three innings in the 6-4 defeat.

He did have to come back out after a 36-minute rain delay in the third inning, in which he allowed four runs, but the Pirates need better from him going forward.

Mlodzinski is the only pitcher in the Pirates' bullpen who can provide a bulk role, as most of their arms are high-leverage or middle-relief, like right-handers Yohan Ramírez and recently acquired Lake Bachar.

He spent the first two months in the starting rotation, before Jared Jones returned from injury, and still went long outings from the bullpen, generally two to three innings.

Mlodzinski won't always start for the Pirates, per manager Don Kelly, as he could come in for a longer bulk role after a spot start and still take on innings that way.

The Pirates need Mlodzinski to maintain his efficiency that he normally has out of the bullpen, again as a starting pitcher, and help out a starting rotation that has struggled since the All-Star break.

Who Will Pitch Alongside Mlodzinski vs. Marlins?

Mlodzinski won't pitch all nine innings, so the Pirates need others in the bullpen to step up and help out.

The only pitcher who shouldn't be available is Ramírez, who just threw three scoreless innings of relief in the 2-0 loss to the Marlins in the series opener.

Pittsburgh had a day off prior to this series, so the rest of the bullpen has had at least two days off from pitching.

Expect Bachar to face his former team in the Marlins, as he can provide length, while also not pitching since Aug, 8.

Luke Weaver, who the Pirates got in a trade with the New York Mets, has also had the last three days off and will most certainly pitch as well.