The Pirates look for their first four-game sweep on the road since 1997 in DC today. Because Gio Gonzalez is on the mound, the Pirates have a crazy, righty-heavy lineup that includes Russell Martin batting cleanup and Josh Harrison in right field. AJ Burnett is starting for the Pirates, and he hasn't pitched to the end of the sixth inning since his return from the disabled list.
MLB Trade Rumors has a round-up of the Pirates' trade deadline wishlist today. At this point, it looks awfully predictable. They've got interest in Nate Schierholtz, who would presumably pick up Travis Snider's end of the right field platoon, and, of course, they're still looking in on Alex Rios. Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune says that Kenny Williams (formerly the White Sox GM, now a vice president) has been spotted in Altoona, but the Curve haven't been in Altoona since Sunday and so I don't know what to make of that. I haven't seen this rumored anywhere, but I'd be much more on board with Alex Rios if Jake Peavy came along with him. That would be awfully pricey, though.
First pitch today is at 12:35.
