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Endy Rodriguez Endy Rodriguez Fanned three times on Opening Day
Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 8:56 PM
Rodriguez went 0-for-3 with one walk and three strikeouts during Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Marlins.
Analysis: Rodriguez got the start at first base Opening Day due to Spencer Horwitz (wrist) starting the season on the 10-day injured list. Rodriguez opened things up with a six-pitch walk in the third inning, but he proceeded to strike out in each of his next three plate appearances, the first two of which came on three pitches. He'll look to record his first hit of the season over the next three games of the series, starting Friday against Connor Gillispie. |
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David Bednar David Bednar Takes Opening Day loss
Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 8:49 PM
Bednar (0-1) was charged with the loss in Thursday's contest against the Marlins after he allowed one earned run off two hits and one walk while failing to record an out.
Analysis: Bednar was called out of the bullpen in the bottom of the ninth with the game tied 4-4, and he surrendered the lead on just eight pitches via a triple, an intentional walk and a single. The 30-year-old opened the season as Pittsburgh's presumed closer despite his 5.77 ERA last year, and though Thursday wasn't a save situation, his rocky start to 2025 puts him on even shakier ground. |
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Paul Skenes Paul Skenes Fans seven in no decision
Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 8:40 PM
Skenes didn't factor into the decision in Thursday's Opening Day game against the Marlins. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out seven across 5.1 innings.
Analysis: Skenes picked up where he left off from his 2024 NL ROY honors by striking out four of the first six batters he faced Thursday. He gave up his first run of the season on a fielder's choice in the third frame, and he was credited with a second earned run in the sixth inning when Xavier Edwards scored on a passed ball thrown by Dennis Santana. Skenes wasn't able to pick up the Opening Day win despite his strong performance and will look to capture his first victory of the 2025 campaign next week, when he's projected to face Tampa Bay on the road. |
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Nick Gonzales Nick Gonzales Exits with ankle injury
Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 4:55 PM
Gonzales was removed from Thursday's game versus Miami due to left ankle soreness, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.
Analysis: Gonzales smacked a two-run homer in the sixth inning of Thursday's contest but seemingly injured himself in the process, as he had a noticeable limp while rounding the bases. He's being considered day-to-day for now, though the Pirates' medical staff will continue to keep an eye on him. Adam Frazier entered Thursday's contest as Gonzales' replacement and would be the favorite to start at second base if the latter needs to miss any amount of time. |
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Endy Rodriguez Endy Rodriguez Starts at first base in opener
Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 3:43 PM
Rodriguez is starting at first base and batting seventh in Thursday's opener against the Marlins.
Analysis: Rodriguez is the backup catcher behind Joey Bart, but he will also see ample time at first base while Spencer Horwitz (wrist) and he is getting the first shot at that position Opening Day. Jared Triolo -- who figures to be Rodriguez's primary competitor for at-bats at first base -- will begin the game on the bench. |
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Spencer Horwitz Spencer Horwitz Goes on 10-day IL
Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 11:05 AM
The Pirates placed Horwitz on the 10-day injured list Thursday as he recovers from right wrist surgery, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
Analysis: Horwitz had the operation in early February and was given a 6-to-8 week timetable. He is expected to be the Pirates' primary first baseman once healthy. |
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Jared Jones Jared Jones Officially placed on injured list
Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 11:03 AM
The Pirates placed Jones on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right elbow UCL sprain, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
Analysis: Jones has damage to his UCL but will attempt to rest and rehab the injury. He will be shut down from throwing for six weeks before ramping things back up. The righty will be a candidate to be shifted to the 60-day injured list when/if the Pirates need a roster spot, as it's unlikely he'll be back before June. |
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Ryan Borucki Ryan Borucki Added to roster
Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 11:00 AM
The Pirates selected Borucki's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
Analysis: Borucki earned a spot by holding a 1.04 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 8.2 Grapefruit League innings. He'll provide middle relief from the left side. |
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Peter Strzelecki Peter Strzelecki DFA'd by Pittsburgh
Wed, Mar 26, 2025, 6:22 PM
GM Ben Cherington announced Wednesday that Strzelecki was designated for assignment, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: The right-hander was unable to earn a place on the Pirates' Opening Day roster after being acquired from the Guardians for cash in November, and he'll also lose his place on the 40-man roster to free up space for non-roster invitee Ryan Borucki. Strzelecki had a 2.31 ERA in 10 regular-season appearances with Cleveland last year but also struggled to a 5.01 ERA at the Triple-A level. |
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Hunter Stratton Hunter Stratton Headed to Indianapolis
Wed, Mar 26, 2025, 6:03 PM
The Pirates will option Stratton to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: After rupturing the patella tendon in his left knee in August, Stratton spent most of camp finishing up his rehab. He managed to pitch in a Grapefruit League game Saturday, during which he threw a scoreless inning, but he'll begin the season in Triple-A as he continues ramping up. Once the Pirates deem the right-hander ready for big-league action, he'll be a candidate to pitch in high-leverage situations. |
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Jared Jones Jared Jones Does not require surgery
Tue, Mar 25, 2025, 6:05 PM
Jones (elbow) has no torn ligaments and will not need surgery, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Jones went down with elbow discomfort Wednesday and had to forgo his final spring training start. It was feared that the righty was going to require surgery after it was reported he was seeking a second opinion on his elbow. While he will not require surgery, the 23-year-old will go six weeks without throwing. |
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Burch Smith Burch Smith Assigned to minor-league camp
Mon, Mar 24, 2025, 6:53 PM
Smith was reassigned to minor league spring training on Monday.
Analysis: Smith inked a minor-league deal that included an invitation to big-league camp back in January, but he was unable to do enough to earn a bullpen spot. Instead, he'll set his sights on beginning the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he'll serve as organizational depth. |
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Tanner Rainey Tanner Rainey Headed to Triple-A
Mon, Mar 24, 2025, 6:48 PM
Rainey was reassigned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday.
Analysis: Rainey will open the season at Triple-A after producing an impressive 1.13 ERA and 0.50 WHIP with 12 strikeouts over eight innings in eight appearances with the Pirates during spring training. The right-hander appeared in 50 games with the Nationals in 2024, compiling a 4.76 ERA with 44 strikeouts over 51 innings, and he'll now look to get into a groove with Indianapolis in an attempt to earn a promotion this summer. |
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Carson Fulmer Carson Fulmer Headed to Triple-A
Mon, Mar 24, 2025, 6:40 PM
Fulmer was reassigned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday.
Analysis: Fulmer signed a minor-league deal with Pittsburgh in December, producing a 4.15 ERA with five strikeouts over 8.2 innings in six appearances, including one start, during spring training. The right-hander will look to impress with Indianapolis in order to potentially get a shot with the Pirates' major-league roster down the road this season. |
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Carmen Mlodzinski Carmen Mlodzinski Opening season as fifth starter
Mon, Mar 24, 2025, 10:41 AM
Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Monday that Mlodzinski will begin the season as the team's fifth starter, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: All 75 of Mlodzinski's appearances in the majors to this point have either been in relief or opener assignments, but he was being stretched out during spring training and was used mostly as a starting pitcher in the minors prior to 2023. The 26-year-old's workload figures to be relatively limited, at least initially, and the Pirates also have top prospects Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington looming at Triple-A Indianapolis if Mlodzinski falters. |
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DJ Stewart DJ Stewart Falls short of roster spot
Mon, Mar 24, 2025, 8:12 AM
The Pirates informed Stewart on Monday that he won't be included on the Opening Day roster, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: He had been in the mix for reps at first base while Spencer Horwitz (wrist) is sidelined to begin the season, but Stewart ultimately will not head north with the big club. Stewart has an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract and will likely exercise it, allowing him to become a free agent and pursue options elsewhere. |
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Ryan Borucki Ryan Borucki Makes Opening Day roster
Mon, Mar 24, 2025, 8:09 AM
The Pirates informed Borucki on Monday that he'll be included on the Opening Day roster, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Borucki is in camp on a minor-league contract but pitched his way onto the team by holding a 1.04 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 8.2 Grapefruit League innings. He'll give manager Derek Shelton another lefty option in the bullpen. |
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Kyle Nicolas Kyle Nicolas Headed to Indianapolis
Sun, Mar 23, 2025, 6:49 PM
Nicolas was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
Analysis: Nicolas impressed this spring, surrendering two runs (one earned) on seven hits and eight walks while striking out eight batters over nine innings in eight appearances with the Pirates. The right-hander produced a 3.95 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 55 punchouts over 54.2 innings in 51 games with Pittsburgh in 2024, and he will likely not have to wait long to join the major-league roster this season. |
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Hunter Stratton Hunter Stratton Added to 40-man roster
Sat, Mar 22, 2025, 8:41 PM
The Pirates selected Stratton's (knee) contract Saturday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Stratton ruptured his patella tendon in his left knee in late August, but he has ramped up this spring. He ultimately made his spring training debut Saturday, when he threw a scoreless inning while striking out two. Stratton could occupy a high-leverage role after maintaining a 3.58 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with a 33:7 K:BB across 37.2 innings in 2024. |
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Joshua Palacios Joshua Palacios Removed from 40-man roster
Sat, Mar 22, 2025, 8:35 PM
Palacios was designated for assignment Saturday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Palacios was in the mix as a starting outfielder in Pittsburgh entering spring training, but the signing of Tommy Pham hurt his standing on the roster. He also didn't help his chances by hitting .211 with no extra-base hits across 19 Grapefruit League at-bats. |
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