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Covering the bases

Covering the bases

LEADING OFF: The Curve called up 2014 first-round pick Cole Tucker on Thursday. Tucker, the Pirates fifth top prospect according to MLB.com, hit .285 at A-Advanced Bradenton, and got on base at a .364 clip. The speedy shortstop led the league with 36 steals before his promotion.

SAFE AT FIRST: The addition of Tucker came after SS Kevin Newman earned a promotion to AAA Indianapolis on July 20. Newman, a 2015 first-round pick, hit .259 over 82 games for Altoona. MLB.com ranks Newman as the Pirates sixth top prospect. Newman has hit .308 over his first six games at Indianapolis.

STEALING SECOND: OF Jordan Luplow will make his major league debut for Pittsburgh Friday night. Luplow garnered attention with his bat by hitting 16 homeruns at Altoona before being promoted to AAA Indianapolis on June 30. Luplow hit .287 over 73 games for Altoona and his 16 homeruns still lead this year’s club.

ROUNDING THIRD: The Curve ended their road trip with four straight victories. After managing a 5-3 victory at Bowie, Altoona swept Reading in a three game set. Altoona held its opponent to three-runs-or-less in all four games, and shutout the Fighting Phils on Monday.

HEADING HOME: Connor Joe returned from the disabled list July 25. Altoona placed Joe on the DL with a dislocated finger on June 30. Joe homered in his second at bat Thursday night.

— Alex Church

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