Charlotte Knights - Norfolk Tides pitching matchups and notes

Knights vs. Tides @ BB&T Ballpark 

Thursday, 7:05 p.m.

CHA: RHP Brad Penny (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

NOR: RHP Tyler Wilson (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Friday, 7:05 p.m.

CHA: RHP Chris Beck (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

NOR: RHP Mike Wright (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Saturday 7:05 p.m.

CHA: LHP Carlos Rodon (0-0, 0.00)

NOR: LHP T.J. McFarland (0-0, 0.00)

Sunday 2:05 p.m.

CHA: RHP Scott Carroll (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

NOR: RHP Zach Davies (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Head to head: This is the first of seven series (22 games) between the Knights and Tides this season. The two teams will next face off April 24-26 in Norfolk.

Briefly: The Knights, who finished their inaugural season in Uptown Charlotte 63-81, return to action this season without some familiar faces. Jordan Danks, the franchise’s all-time hits leader, is now a member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Marcus Semien and Josh Phegley were lost due to trades, Carlos Sanchez and Micah Johnson earned promotions to the big leagues and last season’s home-run leader Andy Wilkins was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays. … Saturday’s scheduled starter for the Knights, Carlos Rodon, is the White Sox current top prospect and considered by many scouts to be the top lefthander in all of Class AAA ball. … Trayce Thompson, the brother of current NBA All-Star Klay, was promoted from Class AA and is expected to take over for Danks in centerfield. … 2014 White Sox, Leury Garcia and Daniel Webb have rejoined the Knights to start the season. … Tyler Saladino has recovered from Tommy John surgery and is slated to start the season as Charlotte’s shortstop. … Knights Game 1 starter Brad Penny, 37, didn’t pitch in the majors at all in 2013 and then turned in a rather unremarkable 26 innings with the Miami Marlins last season, allowing 20 runs while striking out 13 and walking 13. However, the White Sox saw enough out of the former All-Star this spring to justify stashing him in Triple-A, a decision that required a $100,000 veteran’s retention bonus to be paid to Penny in addition to his salary. … The Knights won the season series with the Tides in 2014, 11-10.