The Pirates have made the final moves to set the roster for Opening Day on Thursday against the Mets in New York. Veteran right-hander Mike Clevinger was optioned to Indianapolis yesterday as the team settled on lefty Hunter Barco and another veteran righty, Jose Urquidy for the bulk relief roles.
The Bucs gave up four home runs yesterday in a 5-2 loss to the Braves in the spring training finale. Clevinger gave up two of those homers. Nick Gonzalez and Nick Yorke each hit runs-scoring doubles for the Pirates.
Manager Donnie Kelly yesterday talked more about his decision to make Jared Triolo his Opening Day shortstop after the veteran played most of the spring at third base. Kelly says Triolo is great wherever he plays.
Kelly is also excited about the live arms he has in his bullpen, and he says the power at the back end of the pen will allow him to use Dennis Santana in leverage situations, whether that’s closing games or coming in at some other key point.
Kelly is unconcerned about pitch counts for his young pitchers, Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and Carmen Mlodzinski, who will all be in the starting rotation.
PIRATES’ OPENING DAY ROSTER
Starting Pitchers: Braxton Aschcraft, Bubba Chandler, Mitch Keller, Carmen Mlodzinski, Paul Skenes
Relief Pitchers: Hunter Barco, Justin Lawrence, Isaac Mattson, Mason Montgomery, Yohan Ramirez, Dennis Santana, Gregory Soto, Jose Urquidy
Catchers: Joey Bart, Henry Davis
Infielders: Nick Gonzales, Spencer Horwitz, Brandon Lowe, Jared Triolo, Ryan O’Hearn (IF/OF), Nick Yorke (IF/OF)
Outfielders: Billy Cook, Oneil Cruz, Jake Mangum, Bryan Reynolds, Marcell Ozuna (primary designated hitter)
60-day injured list: RHP Jared Jones Jared Jones
MLB
The Texas Rangers announced yesterday that Andrew McCutchen has made the Opening Day roster. The 39-year-old made just 24 plate appearances in seven games for the Rangers after signing late in spring training, and was 8-for-18 with three doubles, one homer, and seven RBIs.
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