Brubaker allowed four runs on four hits across three innings and earned the loss Thursday against the Cardinals. He struck out two and walked three.
Brubaker earned the Opening Day nod over Jose Quintana and Mitch Keller, but that was believed to be due to scheduling more than anything. Regardless, it was a forgettable afternoon for Brubaker, who posted a 5.36 ERA across 124.1 innings last season. With few other quality starting options, the 28-year-old figures to have a long leash for Pittsburgh this season.