Jul. 21—This will be a big birthday for Max Kranick.
A big league birthday, that is.
The Jessup native, who turns 24 today, will make his third MLB start today when the Pittsburgh Pirates visit Madison Bumgarner and the Arizona Diamondbacks at 3:40 p.m.
Kranick last pitched for Pittsburgh on July 10, when he gave up three runs in three innings against the New York Mets. He then pitched a rain-shortened start July 15 for Triple-A Indianapolis, when he allowed one run in four innings. The Pirates recalled him Tuesday.
Kranick has made one other birthday start in his pro career. In 2019 with High-A Bradenton, he picked up a win over the Tampa Tarpons when he allowed two runs in six innings.
At 29-68, Arizona owns the worst record in the majors this season, though the Diamondbacks have won three in a row, including two against the Pirates: an 11-6 victory Tuesday and a 4-2 win Monday.
Kranick made his MLB debut June 27 by tossing five perfect innings against St. Louis. Overall, he’s allowed three on four hits in eight innings. He’s walked three and struck out eight.
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