The week ahead
At Cardinals
7:45 p.m. Tuesday (SN PIT)
7:45 p.m. Wednesday (SN PIT)
1:15 p.m. Thursday (SN PIT)
• Another important series against an NL Central divisional foe is on deck for the Pirates, who take on the Cardinals at Busch Stadium next week. Offensively, outfielder Jordan Walker has paced his club in numerous categories, including hits (46), home runs (12) and RBIs (31), while West Virginia’s JJ Wetherholt — continuing his rookie campaign after being chosen seventh overall by St. Louis in 2024 — is up to eight homers, ranking second behind Walker. Closer Riley O’Brien has been among the best in baseball when it comes to shutting the door, as his 12 saves (in 15 opportunities) are second-most in the league. O’Brien is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 23 strikeouts and two walks this season through 20 appearances.
At Blue Jays
7:07 p.m. Friday (SN PIT)
3:07 p.m. Saturday (SN PIT)
12:15 p.m. Sunday (SN PIT)
• Failing to match the early-season dominance of the Tampa Bay Rays or New York Yankees, the Blue Jays have fallen behind quickly in the AL East. However, blameless in those woes is relief pitcher Louis Varland, who’s been near spotless to begin the year, as evidenced by his microscopic 0.42 ERA through 21 games. Varland has five saves in as many opportunities, 32 strikeouts and nine walks over 21 2/3 frames. As a team, the Blue Jays rank 15th in baseball with a 4.13 ERA. Second baseman Ernie Clement has a team-high 13 RBIs while third baseman Kazuma Okamoto has clubbed 10 homers, most on the club.