The Pirates started their day on a high note with the signing of third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to a long-term contract extension, but then Hayes had to leave the game with an injury in the first inning and the Bucs’ pitching broke down in a shutout loss in St. Louis.
Joe Block has the story.
Manager Derek Shelton didn’t like the score, but enjoyed playing an Opening Day before a stadium full of fans for the first time in three years.
Hayes was disappointed that he suffered a left forearm strain and had to leave the game.
The Pirates said after the game that Hayes suffered a “random muscle spasm” from his left thumb and down his forearm a third of the way to the elbow. He is listed as day-to-day but says he will play tomorrow in the second game of the season.
Hayes and the Pirates have agreed to an eight-year, $70 million contract extension, pending a physical that will likely be formally announced on Tuesday when the team returns for its home opener against the Cubs. The 25-year-old was limited to 96 games last season and batted .257 with 20 doubles and 38 RBI.
Relief pitcher Duane Underwood Jr. left the game with a tight hamstring after giving up a hit and a run and not getting an out in the sixth inning.
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