Jameson Taillon hasn’t been anything close to the ace he was supposed to be. Ivan Nova seems to be a couple more bad starts away from either being DFA’d or traded for whatever anyone is willing to give the Pirates. Chad Kuhl is extremely inconsistent and seems to struggle beyond the fifth inning. Steven Brault has already flamed out and is in the bullpen, a role that seems to fit him well.
That’s why Friday night’s starter, Joe Musgrove, is so important to the Pirates’ success this season. He has had shoulder issues that have delayed his arrival to the majors for two months, but he will make his Pirates debut at PNC Park against the St.