Brewers-Pirates Postpone Friday Game, Set July 12 Split Doubleheader at 12:05 and 4:05 p.m.

Q: Can Bubba Chandler’s new strategy be the secret weapon the underdog Pirates need to upset the dominant Brewers?

Probably not yet, but it gives Pittsburgh a real upset path if Bubba Chandler can repeat his recent execution. The evidence for optimism is specific. Chandler has recently cut back on his four-seam fastball and leaned more on his slider and curveball. In a strong June outing against Miami, that mix worked: his slider produced eight whiffs on 13 swings, and Pirates manager Don Kelly said Chandler looked more composed and better able to use his breaking ball early in counts. Broader pitch-design changes also matter. Chandler added a sweeper and sinker this season, and the sweeper has been effective against right-handed hitters. The problem is that the strategy has not yet translated into consistent results. Chandler enters the Brewers game with a 3-8 record and 4.82 ERA, and his command remains the biggest obstacle. He has issued too many walks, his fastball has often leaked into hittable areas, and his overall expected metrics remain shaky. Against a Milwaukee club that is 59-34, leads MLB in ERA, ranks near the top in strikeouts and runs, and is built to punish mistakes, that margin for error is small. So the new approach is better viewed as a possible equalizer than a proven secret weapon. If Chandler locates the slider, keeps the fastball out of the middle, and limits free passes, he can absolutely give Pittsburgh a chance in Game 2 of the doubleheader. But based on the full season body of work, the Brewers still hold the clearer edge.

3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Jul 11

Friday night’s NL Central game at PNC Park was called off after a brief 10-minute delay, with Milwaukee and Pittsburgh now set to play a split doubleheader Saturday.
Inclement weather forced the change: the tarp went back on just before the planned 6:50 p.m. ET first pitch as more rain moved into the forecast.
Braxton Ashcraft and Brandon Sproat had already begun their usual warmups, and Pirates pitchers stayed in the bullpen until about 7:30 p.m. before heading back to the clubhouse.
Saturday’s makeup games are scheduled for 12:05 p.m. ET and the regular 4:05 p.m. slot, while tickets from Friday will be honored for the opener.