This is a big week for the Pirates, because the universe has no regard for Josh Harrison’s torn thumb ligaments or Starling Marte’s strained oblique. The second half of the week is obviously the more exciting part, with the Pirates closing out the pre-All Star Break portion of their season with four games at PNC Park against the Cardinals. The first part of the week, three games against the Padres that start tonight, is not unimportant. If the Pirates can get into the break within four games of the Cardinals, I think they’ll be in solid shape for the season’s second half.
Don’t look past the Padres
