Phil Dumatrait is getting a second chance to prove he can be a starting pitcher in the major leagues, and he couldn't be happier.
The rookie left-hander was moved into the starting rotation Sunday with the release of right-hander Matt Morris, and he will pitch Friday night at Washington. "I'm really excited about this," Dumatrait said. "I'm really looking forward to getting another shot at starting."
Dumatrait made six starts with Cincinnati last season and had poor results, going 0-4 with a 15.00 ERA. He averaged just three innings a start and allowed 39 hits and 12 walks in 18 innings.
"I think I'm a lot more prepared this time," Dumatrait said. "Last year, I was so concerned with who was standing in the batter's box instead of trying to pitch my game. I've got a little more time in the major leagues now and a lot more confidence."
Dumatrait has built confidence by performing well in a long-relief role, going 0-1 with a 3.92 ERA in 10 appearances this season. He has worked multiple innings eight times and said he should be able to throw at least 75 pitches in his start.
"Phil has thrown the ball really well," manager John Russell said. "We looked at him as our sixth starter coming out of spring training and kept his arm stretched out. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do in this role."
NATIONALS 3, PIRATES 2: Left-handed reliever John Grabow's perfect season came to an end as he surrendered Austin Kearns' RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning. The hit snapped a 2-2 tie and gave host Washington the victory in the opener of a four-game series. Grabow (1-1) had not allowed a run in 14 games and 13 innings.
The Pirates' runs came on solo home runs by Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Doumit.
