STEWART GOOD TO GO IF MARTIN CAN’T FINISH GAME
With less than 30 hours before the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants battle for a trip to the NLDS, Russell Martin’s availability for Wednesday’s Wild Card game remains unknown, though, Martin is preparing to play.
Martin dealing with a left hamstring injury, did not play over the weekend after re-aggravating the injury twice last week.
32 year old catcher Chris Stewart would get the start if Martin is unable to go. X-rays on Stewart’s wrist came back negative. “Stewart is good to go,” manager Clint Hurdle said moments ago.
Stewart hit 294/.362/.331 in 136 at-bats this season, the first time he batted over .245 in his career. Stewart has just one career post-season at-bat.
With Martin’s injury, Hurdle said the Pirates anticipate carrying 3 catchers on Wednesday’s playoff roster.
Hurdle also indicated the team will carry 9 pitchers. Jeff Locke is likely to be the odd-man out. The Pirates will release their playoff roster tomorrow morning.