Rookie Davis will become the latest pitcher to start for the Pirates.
The rookie right-hander will pitch Friday night against the Brewers at Milwaukee in the opener of a three-game series. Davis has made four relief appearances since being recalled from Class AAA Indianapolis, allowing five runs in 7 2/3 innings to post a 5.87 ERA.
“He’s pitched in the big leagues. He’s started in the big leagues,” Clint Hurdle said before Wednesday night’s game with the Braves at PNC Park. “It gives us an opportunity to look at him in that role, and he’s pitched well for us up until (Tuesday) night.”
Davis gave up three runs in one inning in Tuesday night’s 12-5 loss to the Braves, including a two-run home run to Freddie Freeman.
Davis started six games for the Reds in 2017 and had a 1-3 record with an 8.59 ERA. At Indianapolis this year, he was 1-3 with a 5.35 ERA in seven starts.
Nick Kingham has been removed from the rotation for the second time in less than a month. He has gone 0-1 with a 9.77 ERA in four starts this season and has an 8.10 ERA in nine relief appearances.
Kingham lasted just three innings in his previous start Saturday against the Brewers at PNC Park, allowing five runs.
In addition to Davis, Hurdle said Jordan Lyles and Steven Brault will start the other two games in Milwaukee.
PERROTTO'S VIEW
Some may look at this as a desperation move but, really, what do the Pirates have to lose at this point? Kingham has proven he is an ineffective starting pitcher. Davis might wind up being ineffective, too, but it doesn't hurt to take a look.
