GDB -25.0: Ricky Tiedemann takes mound as Toronto Blue Jays face Pirates in Spring Training

Ricky Tiedemann will make his third Spring Training appearance on Thursday, facing off against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

It’s been a rocky road in Tiedemann’s first two appearances, throwing three and ⅔ innings against big league lineups in the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers. The first five batters in each order he faced? Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Bryson Stott, as well as Matt Vierling, Andy Ibanez, Kerry Carpenter, Javier Baez and Jake Rogers.

Not exactly easy competition for the 21-year-old.

So it makes sense that he allowed five hits, and three earned across those innings. The good? Just one walk and three strikeouts against the 17 batters he faced on those days.

The southpaw will face another tough task tonight in the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have up-and-comer O’Neil Cruz at the top of the order, followed by Bryan Reynolds, Kevin Hayes, Jack Suwinski and Andrew McCutchen.

First pitch: 6:05 p.m. EST. TV: Sportsnet.

Moneyline: TOR +100; PIT -122.
Spread: TOR +1.5 -160; PIT +1.5 -200.
Over/Under: o8.5 -120; u8.5 -102.

TORONTO — LHP Ricky Tiedemann

PIRATES -LHP Bailey Falter

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Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.