DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: NL Central—Pitchers ready to return

Pittsburgh Pirates

Jonathan Sanchez (LHP, PIT) pitched himself out of the Pirates rotation. Sanchez was suspended for six games for throwing at the Cardinals' Allen Craig, and he simply didn't pitch well, allowing 18 earned runs in his first 14 innings. On Tuesday, the Pirates designated him for assignment. He was replaced on Wednesday by Jeanmar Gómez (RHP, PIT). Gomez might get one more start, but he is then likely to return to the bullpen, with Francisco Liriano (LHP, PIT) on track to join the rotation on May 10.

LIriano has had trouble finding the plate for the past two seasons, with 5.0 Cmd helping fuel an ERA above 5.00. His PQS-DOM/DIS of 50%/32% last season speaks to his inconsistency. We are projecting a 4.25 ERA for this...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

The Rangers offense is sputtering and a change at 2B could help kick start their offense.
Apr 29 2026 3:06am
Could Griffin Jax be the answer to the Rays' rotation depth issues? Plus, Volpe nearing a return, upheaval in Boston, and more from around the AL East.
Apr 28 2026 3:05am
The Mets are a hot mess, and the fact that they've been unlucky isn't quite enough to overlook how they've been flat-out bad--but it may still present buying opportunities. Plus: SP in PHI; C in WAS; 2B in ATL; RP in MIA; more.
Apr 27 2026 10:28am
We discuss Dalton Rushing's playing time probability moving forward, highlight a San Diego catcher with a real hit tool, and take a closer look at the Giants bullpen.
Apr 25 2026 3:05am
Montgomery has had some compelling K-BB% in the minors and is striking out a lot of batters this season
Apr 24 2026 3:06am

Tools