A matchup against Washington left-hander Gio Gonzales has both outfielder Gregory Polanco and first baseman Pedro Alvarez out of the lineup for the Pirates on Sunday.
Polanco has struggled despite steadier playing time lately. He has just five hits in his last 38 at-bats and is just 5-for-32 against left-handers this season.
Alvarez is on a similar slide. He is batting .167 (5-for-30) since June 6 and is 3-for-21 against southpaws in 2015.