Pirates’ Bubba Chandler Will Make First Career Major League Start

Baseball fans may be too distracted to watch any NFL action on Sunday after the Pittsburgh Pirates created a captivating pitching matchup.

Pirates manager Don Kelly announced that Bubba Chandler will make his first career MLB start on Sunday. The highly touted pitcher opposes fellow star rookie Jacob Misiorowski and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Chandler made his long-awaited debut from the bullpen when promoted late last month. The 22-year-old threw four shutout innings in each of his first two big league innings, becoming the first player in MLB history to begin his career with a save and a win.

Chandler wasn’t as dominant in his last appearance, allowing three runs in four innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander still notched his second win in relief of Carmen Mlodzinski.

MLB.com’s No. 7 prospect has only allowed nine hits in his first 12 innings. Even more encouraging, he’s issued one walk after enduring control issues before his call-up.

Chandler had surrendered 53 free passes in 100 innings with Triple-A Indianapolis. The Pirates promoted Chandler even though he permitted 25 hits, 12 walks and 15 runs in his final four minor league appearances.

He’s looked sharper in the majors, but Chandler will face a tough challenge against Milwaukee. Although the Brewers don’t hit for much power, they enter Sunday’s game with a National League-leading .259 batting average and 147 stolen bases.

Milwaukee can sweep Pittsburgh behind its own pitching phenom. Misiorowski has run into some growing pains since a torrid arrival, but the 6-foot-7 flamethrower has amassed 69 strikeouts in 48 innings for the Brew Crew.

It’s the second time this season a high-profile Pirates pitching matchup involves Misiorowski. The 23-year-old outdueled Paul Skenes with five shutout innings to win his third career start on June 25.

Sunday’s game starts at 1:35 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

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