The Pittsburgh Pirates encountered more pitching problems Friday when Joe Musgrove, who was scheduled to start the first game of the series with St. Louis Cardinals, was scratched with right foot discomfort.
Rookie Alex McRae, who was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, will make the second start of his career in place of Musgrove.
In his only other start — July 29 at Cincinnati — McRae lasted 1 1/3 innings, allowing eight of the 12 batters he faced to reach base (six hits and two walks). He gave up seven runs (five earned) in the Pirates’ 11-6 loss.
Overall, McRae is 0-3 this season with a 9.98 ERA and 2.02 WHIP.
Musgrove leads all Pirates pitchers in victories (nine in 21 decisions) while compiling a 4.67 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. He has pitched into the sixth inning in four of his past five starts.
Steven Brault (4-3, 3.88 ERA) is scheduled to pitch Saturday against the Cardinals, who lead the National League Central.
The Pirates have not announced a starter for Sunday’s game.
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