At Spring Training in Bradenton, the Pirates enjoyed their first full-squad workout yesterday, and there was plenty of action, including some live full-speed batting practice for Oneil Cruz, who is working to return from missing all but nine games last season due to a broken ankle. Cruz was very obviously rusty, both in the field and at the plate, but he said he felt good and that was the main thing.
Manager Derek Shelton says the Pirates are going to work hard this spring to help Cruz make up for lost time.
Shelton and the Pirates are sorting through a pitching staff stocked with guys who are trying to earn a spot on the roster, some of whom could end up in the rotation or the bullpen, and it’s a big task to find out who slots where.
The Pirates have re-claimed outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba, who they lost on a waiver claim by the Seattle Mariners on February 7th. The M’s designated Smith-Njigba for assignment after they claimed pitcher Levi Stoudt off waivers from the Reds.
Other roster moves: The Bucs placed pitcher JT Brubaker on the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, and they officially announced the signing of pitcher Chase Anderson to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league camp.
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