The Pirates have won both of their first two Grapefruit League games, including yesterday’s 5-1 win over the Twins.
Last year’s number one draft choice, Konnor Griffin, singled in a run to break a 1-1 tie in a 4-run 7th inning. 2022 top pick Termarr Johnson singled in a run and Bryce Johnson had two hits and drove in one. Mitch Keller started and went two innings, giving up three hits but getting two double play grounders.
After signing free agent pitcher Andrew Heaney last week, general manager Ben Cherington says the door on free agents is probably closing, so any acquisitions from here on out will likely come through trades.
Cherington likes the depth Heaney brings to the pitching rotation after the Pirates traded Luis Ortiz to Cleveland in December for first baseman Spencer Horwitz.
Manager Derek Shelton got his first experience with the ABS system, the electronic “robot umpires” that allow teams to challenge called balls and strikes. Shelton says the experimental system will look different in spring training than it would if it ever came to the big league regular season.
Shelton is excited to watch the development of Griffin, the 6-4 shortstop/outfielder whom he calls “an athletic human being.”
The Pirates play the Phillies today with Paul Skenes scheduled to make his first appearance of the spring. Airtime on WCCS is one o’clock.
Comments