Top 5 Pirates Prospect Performers: Minor League Baseball In Full Swing

4/18/23-By Craig W. Toth (aka @BucsBasement on Twitter)

Early season injuries-and subsequently, sooner than expected promotions-seem to have become a running theme less than three weeks into season; with the majority involving guys that were likely being counted on to play major roles with the Big League Club, at some point during 2023.

To me this should be the focus of a blog post/article/piece all its own. And, actually as I type this I think it will be. Maybe an upcoming Through The Prospect Porthole, so keep your eyes peeled.

For now, I think the I’d like to concentrate on how the prospects are performing; as all of the Pirates Affiliates have a six-game series under their belts. Which honestly is interesting in it own right because I am always curious to see exactly how Minor League Managers decide to handle their pitching staff(s), rest days for position players and now catching assignments with Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis both in the upper levels.

If there is anyone out there that has just started following the Indians, Curve, Grasshoppers and/or Marauders, the six-game series-that has a scheduled off-day every Monday-is a fairly new set of circumstances; in that this is only the second season it has been utilized.

Obviously there is a lot more behind exactly how this came back. For reference please read the multiple articles Gary wrote on the subject back in the day-Friday Focus – MiLB Contraction is a Huge Story, Lost in a Bigger One and MiLB Clubs Scramble to Remain Part of MLB Development Pipeline.

In the case that you might be educated on the situation, an oversimplification of the 6-game series is saving money on travel-28% to 56% in costs to be exact.

Alright, I think that’s enough to digest for the moment. Let’s get into this past week in the Pirates Minor Leagues.

1) Lolo Sanchez-OF (Altoona)

It’s been almost 8 years since Sanchez was the Top International Draft Signee-inked to a $450,000 bonus-back in July of 2015, and 7 years since he made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. Hell, he even played for the Low-A West Virginia Power back in 2018, before the Pirates packed up and headed to Greensboro. Yet, some may be surprised to find out that Sanchez is only set to turn 24 years-old this upcoming Sunday.

Once listed as a Top 10 prospect in the Pirates System by MLB Pipeline, Lolo (aka Kevin) has not taken the most direct path to Altoona; where he spent last season as well. During the 2022 season he slashed .231/.343./.330 with 5 homers in 254 plate appearances due to spending 6 weeks on the Injured List.

To say 2023 is a make it or break it season for Sanchez would be an understatement; and to be fair it has only been 32 plate appearances. Nevertheless, if he can add a little bit of power, to his already established plate discipline, it could be a very interesting development for the Pirates.

In an extreme small sample size, Lolo is batting .280 with an .838 OPS, a homer and 7 walks to 6 strikeouts.

2) Tsung-Che Cheng-SS/2B (Greensboro)

It was way back in January of 2022, when I first wrote about Cheng; somewhat predicting for him to have a breakout season for the Bradenton Marauders.

Clearly it wasn’t to the level that I had hoped for, but a .270/.376/.418 slash line with 6 homers and 33 stolen bases also isn’t something to be disappointed in either.

Then prior to the season, he rejuvenated that hope with his showing in the World Baseball Classic.

With Greensboro fully on track to begin the season this past week, Cheng exhibited all the tools that makes him one of my favorite prospects in the entire system; launching two homers, matching that with a couple triples and playing sound defense.

Man, I can’t wait until this kid makes his way up to Altoona, so I can watch him person.

3) Osvaldo Bido-RHP (Indianapolis)

To begin the season everyone was excited about a rotation including Luis Ortiz, Mike Burrow and Quinn Priester in Indianapolis; and rightfully so. Yet, there was one name that may not have been on the tip of everyone’s tongues…Osvaldo Bido.

Following a fairly uneventful 2022 with the Triple-A Indians-a 4.53 ERA, a 1.50 WHIP and 122 strikeouts with 64 walks across 111.1 innings-Bido impressed in his final appearance of Spring Training; striking out 4 and walking only one in 2 innings versus the Tigers on March 17th.

Luckily for him this success has transferred over to his first three outings in Indianapolis; including his 9 strikeout performance this past week.

On the year he has .75 ERA with a .83 WHIP, 15 strikeouts and 4 walks across 12 innings pitched; while putting his name in the conversation for a promotion to Pittsburgh.

4) Michell Miliano-RHP (Greensboro)

When Ben Cherington and Company traded Adam Frazier to the San Diego Padres back in July of 2021, Tucupita Marcano and Jack Suwinski were absolutely the most well known players in the return; and obviously the still are. However, a third player did come back in that deal in the form of then 21 year-old Michell Miliano.

Since coming over the Pirates-and even prior to that-Miliano has regularly struggled with command; walking over an average of 6 batters per 9 innings in each of his five Minor League Seasons.

In just 6.1 innings-in his third straight season with time in High-A-Miliano has not walked a single batter; while striking out 14.

If this continues the smart move would more than likely be to give him the quick bump up to Double-A Altoona to see if this new development is for real.

5) Jesus Castillo-IF (Bradenton)

Signed by the Pirates back in July of 2019, from Venezuela, Castillo had only accumulated 320 plate appearances prior to arriving in Bradenton to begin 2023; yet, had shown some promise as far as a patient approach at the plate, with some speed on the base-paths.

Through the first 9 games-across 42 plate appearances-Castillo is slashing .414/.571/.488 with a double, 11 walks and 5 strikeouts.

His progress this season is definitely worth monitoring closely.

Conclusion

There you have it! My Top 5 Pirates Prospect Performers-plus one-for the first “full” week of the year. 

Now remember, let me know if I missed anyone, and who your Top 5 would be. And, be sure check back each and every Tuesday during Minor League Baseball Season!

Editor’s Note: If you haven’t already, please go follow Anthony Murphy and the Florida Prospect Report for some of the best content out there. And while you are at give the Indianapolis Indians , the Altoona Curve, the Greensboro Grasshoppers and the Bradenton Marauders some love as well.

Pirates Pummel Slumping Rockies 14-3 (10-7)

4/17/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter

Pirates came out swinging against the Rockies, jumping all over the former NL ERA leader Kyle Freeland for 9 runs (7 earned) over his 2.2 innings of work.

Rich Hill had some hard contact early but managed to keep the Rockies in check, posting another quality start with a final line of 6 innings pitched, 6 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, 7 strikeouts (105 pitches/67 strikes) and generating 11 swings and misses on the day. Certainly, his best performance of the season.

Ke’Bryan Hayes, Bryan Reynolds, Andrew McCutchen and Carlos Santana combined to go 8-for-20 with 3 runs and 9 RBI to lead the top of the lineup while every starter reached base for the Bucs.

News & Notes

  • Hill’s 105 pitch performance was the most pitches he had thrown in a start since May 23, 2016 when he was a member of the Oakland A’s and threw 107 in the game.
  • Pirates combined to hit 11 batted balls with exit velocity of 100+ MPH.
  • Cutch’s home run was the 290th of his career and 206th with the Pirates
  • Big 2nd inning started by Connor Joe walk and ending with a Connor Joe fly-out plated 6 runs! It was the most runs plated by the Pirates in a single inning since an October 1, 2021 game against the Reds, in which they scored 8 runs in the 8th inning and eventually won 9-2.
  • Mark Mathias, who was called up last week to replace injured Oneil Cruz on the roster, had a career day, with 4 hits in 5 at-bats while also making an EXCELLENT snag to start an inning-ending double play in the 7th inning.
  • Hayes continues to do things only he can do as he makes extraordinary plays look ordinary.
  • Jack Suwinski replaced Reynolds and hit a 461-foot BOMB in the 9th inning to right field – with the caveat that it was off a position player. Still was cool to see.
  • In more somber news, it was mentioned in the broadcast that former all-star catcher Don Leppert passed away at age 91. His playing time with the Bucs was brief but he was a major league coach for them from 1968-1976, serving as First Base Coach during the 1971 World Series-winning season.
  • The Pirates have game two tomorrow night with Velasquez on the mound. First pitch is at 8:40pm. Let’s Go Bucs!

Five Pirates Thoughts at Five

4-17-23 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter

Ahh, Manfred ball giveth, and it taketh away. Nobody knows how to play the situation. I see teams get the run in the top of the 10th then just about go for conceding the tying run in the bottom half. Rarely do I see teams walk the batter to see if they can’t set up a double play and make it a ton harder to get that run home.

I hate Manfred ball FYI.

Let’s get into the thoughts today.

1. Shelton Will be Extended

I’m not breaking news, I’m relaying Jason Mackey’s reporting. Its happening, and the Pirates have already decided.

Before you fill up my comments with angry face emojis like anyone cares about that dumb stuff anyway, lets talk through this a bit.

For instance, the team has been shadowy about his contract status to begin with. Common perception is that he is a lame duck and after this year, he’d be technically unemployed. Mackey’s reporting made that sound at least less of an assured status than we’ve been going with.

Regardless, the team has decided to move forward with Shelton. Essentially saying they know what they asked him to do, and they know what they gave him to do it. Now they want to give him a chance at doing it with better players. To many fans, Derek Shelton was a “starter” manager, but this report clearly changes that, he’s now going to be expected to lead the team through the darkness and directly into the fight.

I’m not sure I like the message this sends, but I have to admit, I always thought this was going to happen. They signed him to a contract that carried with it a duration in which they were sure to send him next to nothing to work with. Many of the decisions being made by Shelton at a minimum were like choosing a dirty outhouse with toilet paper or a clean one with not one square.

To me, I think showing he could produce a 10 game improvement with an improved roster was a low bar I wanted to see him hurdle (no pun intended) before getting any kind of assurance he’d be retained.

2. What Has Surprised Me 16 Games In

First of all, Andrew McCutchen. I can’t say its going to last, but Cutch isn’t playing like an over the hill former star, he’s playing like every bit a bat you can’t take out of the lineup. I really wanted Cutch to come back, but I had mentally accepted he’d probably play 4 days a week, mostly at DH and while he’d contribute some, he certainly wouldn’t be someone this team would lean on in the middle of the lineup. All he’s done is go ahead and play all but one game with a .298 batting average and an OPS of .916. I mean, people, he’s already posted a 0.5 WAR number for 2023. His on base percentage is .426 driven up by his 11 walks. A 36 year old, getting on base almost half the time is just crazy.

Johan Oviedo – Look, I thought there was a good chance Oviedo would spend most of the year struggling to get his footing and if we were lucky, stake his claim to 4th or 5th starter by season’s end. Thank goodness for the Team I was dead wrong. Now, it’s not like he’s had 15 starts, so I or you, shouldn’t pretend he can’t or won’t regress, but man, he’s got some very special offerings. That slider he throws, I’ll just put it all on the table, I didn’t know that was there. What a weapon that thing is and scouting won’t help, if he throws it the way he can, it’s simply not something most hitters will touch. He’s already proven guys can now it’s coming, and they’re still not gonna hit it.

Carlos Santana – I knew a lot about Santana, not as much as Cutch, but he’s been around a long long time and I felt very comfortable I knew what they were getting. What I didn’t know was how impressive he’d be with all these kids. You’ll see him call back on the old Catcher skills and drape his arm over the starting pitcher to coach him up on holding runners a bit better. Look in the dugout how guys flock to him to talk about his at bat, or the at bat they just took. Hell, you’ll see the coaches go to him and point him at someone who needs a conversation. He’s played just about every day, and the dude is just a ball player. Super impressed.

And finally for today, Jason Delay. Where do I start? I didn’t expect him to make the team, and possibly below that I certainly didn’t expect him to contribute offensively in any tangible way. 9 games in, he’s only had 30 plate appearances, but I’ll take the .778 OPS from a backup anything, let alone catcher where hitting hasn’t been a thing since Cervelli started having concussion issues.

3. The Great One Debuts

Way back in 1955 on this date, April 17th, the Great One, Roberto Clemente made his debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates. 21 didn’t begin his career wearing his now famous number, instead being assigned 13 for his debut and the first 7 weeks of his MLB career.

Something not everyone knows, he had a lower back injury from a car accident over the winter he was dealing with during his rookie campaign and struggled to identify many pitch types. Even given those disadvantages and the near constant racial and ethnic frustrations from teammates, fans and even local media, he was able to post a .255 batting average and showcase a special ability to field.

Sometimes I think about the mental strength it must have taken just to wake up and go to work everyday. Then I think of the forgiveness he showed to not only mend fences with many of the people who treated him poorly, but to the point of coming to love this city, I just can’t fathom it.

I think about what guys who hit .255 today (a much better number in today’s game than it was back in 55) and the things I see written about them. The things I hear screamed at them in the ballpark and honestly, because they’d get their cans kicked in today, some of them are being “reserved”, something that largely would have been unnecessary back in Roberto’s day.

When we look back at the “greatest generation” it’s easy to see why.

I never got to see one swing, throw, or sprint, but I grew up with a grandma and grandpa who had two pictures in their house that weren’t family. Jesus in the living room, and Roberto Clemente in the garage. All I can do is make sure some of the stories I heard don’t get lost.

Far too many people think Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and all of a sudden it was easy for everyone else of color following him. We may have come to understand that skin color doesn’t matter, but we wouldn’t be here if these heroes didn’t have skin thick enough to rival a Rhino.

4. Is the Rotation Sustainable?

Oh, I sincerely doubt it.

Not to be a wet blanket here, but we’ve just watched 6 straight quality starts, folks, that just doesn’t happen a whole lot. Sad thing is, they only won 3 of those games, but that’s beside the point here.

I think at this point, it’s fair to expect Mitch Keller to give you a good outing most times out. Roansy has been off, but he’s also someone who hasn’t let down the team often, so good shot he gives you a good one too.

Oviedo is young and hasn’t really done this long enough to know, but he’s becoming a lot safer to spend hope on.

Hill will give you a good one or a real bad one and there is rarely an in between. Vince Velasquez was way above his head in his last outing. He hasn’t even approached that since 2018.

So I’ll just leave it there, no, I don’t see this as sustainable.

Now, that’s not the same as saying they’ll stink either, it’s just not reasonable to expect this mix of starters to keep performing like that.

At some point the bats really do have to show up more consistently to take advantage when the arms do provide.

That’s really why the Cardinals series split isn’t seen as the success it was, they pitched well enough to win 3 or 4.

5. Let’s Talk About the Lineup

There are a ton of considerations when making out a lineup. Playing time, rest, offense, defense, bumps and bruises, so today let’s simply look at the best current offensively focused lineup this team can muster based on who’s on the roster right now.

So here goes, then we’ll talk about why I made some of the choices I did.

  1. Ji Hwan Bae – 2B
  2. Bryan Reynolds – LF
  3. Andrew McCutchen – DH
  4. Carlos Santana – 1B
  5. Rodolfo Castro – SS
  6. Jack Suwinski – CF
  7. Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B
  8. Connor Joe – RF
  9. Jason Delay – C

Look, it’s never going to look as good missing Cruz, but from a strictly offensive standpoint, I love the flow of this lineup and I think some members like Delay and Joe has simply earned more time.

Pittsburgh Pirates (9-7) at Colorado Rockies (5-11) – Series Preview

4-17-23 – By Christian Wolf – @CWolfPGH on Twitter

The Pirates end their road trip with a quick three game series in Colorado.

When & Who

Game 1 – (4/17, 8:40 EST)

Probable Pitchers:

For the Pirates – Rich Hill (0-2, 7.20 ERA)

For the Rockies – Kyle Freeland (2-0, 0.96 ERA)

 

Game 2 – (4/18, 8:40 EST)

Probable Pitchers:

For the Pirates – Vince Velasquez (1-2, 5.40 ERA)

For the Rockies – Jose Urena (0-2, 9.90 ERA)

 

Game 3 – (4/19, 3:10 EST)

Probable Pitchers:

For the Pirates – Johan Oviedo (1-1, 2.45 ERA)

For the Rockies – Austin Gomber (0-3, 8.16 ERA)

 

Team Trends

The Rockies are in the middle of a free-fall, having lost five straight games and fresh off getting swept in Seattle, a series where they only managed to score 5 runs. The Rockies starting rotation ranks 24th in baseball with a 5.45 ERA, and their bullpen isn’t much better, coming in with a 4.55 ERA in 59.1 innings, with opponents hitting .254 off their relievers. However, the Rockies are hitting .298 and have an OPS of .801 as a team at home this year, which ranks 5th best in all of baseball.

 As for the Pirates, they’re coming off a split in St. Louis, with their starting rotation going six innings or more in each game. The Pirates are hitting just .227 as a team on the road this year, with an OPS of .704. However, the Bucs have walked forty times in games away from home this year, 3rd best in baseball, and showing continued patience is going to be important. The Pirates starting rotation ranks 20th in baseball with a 4.75 ERA, and opponents are hitting .262 off them. The Pirates bullpen has stayed fairly reliable so far, ranking 5th in the NL with a 3.61 ERA.

Who’s Hot

For the Rockies – Kris Bryant: The Rockies outfielder has hits in three of his past four games, including two muli-hit games in that span, a rare bright spot within the Rockies recent struggles. He’s raised his average to .295 and his OPS to .741

For the Pirates – Ke’Bryan Hayes: The Pirates third-baseman collected hits in each of the three games he played against the Cardinals, including his first home run of the season. After a slow offensive start, Hayes has been putting together quality at bats, and also collected a walk in each game against St. Louis.

 Who’s Not

For the Rockies – Charlie Blackman: After a hot start to the year, Blackman managed just one hit the entire series against the Mariners, including three strikeouts on Sunday. Still a dangerous hitter with his .296 average, Blackman can deal damage if pitchers throw him mistakes, which the Bucs need to avoid this series. 

For the Pirates – Canaan Smith-Njigba: The Pirates rookie made two starts and three appearances against the Cardinals, grabbing just a single hit. Smith-Njigba has struggled early this season, posting a .154 average and .527 OPS early, and will likely continue to see playing time with the Pirates rotating different players through the outfield.

Series Overview & Prediction

The Pirates have posted a steady start to the season, but with injuries starting to pop up it is reasonable to wonder how much longer they can keep putting together wins consistently. The pitching, particularly in the starting rotation, has been improving and has already shown the ability to keep the Pirates in games when the offense is struggling. While this is a good sign, Coors Field has the potential to be a pitchers nightmare when it comes to home runs.

The Rockies didn’t show much love and commitment to their fans this past offseason, and now it’s starting to show up on the scoresheet. When you aren’t scoring runs, (and the Rockies are averaging less than 4 runs a game), it’s hard to win. Colorado undoubtedly sees this series against Pittsburgh as an opportunity to gain some momentum before they head on the road to Philadelphia. Coming home to your fanbase after getting swept in Seattle is already a bad look as it is.

The Pirates pitching is trending up. The Rockies hitting is trending down. But can Rich Hill and Vince Velasquez perform well enough to give the Pirates a chance to take the series? That’s the million-dollar question right there.

Colorado takes two of the three.

 

Cards Salvage Series Split as Bucs Lose 5-4 (9-7)

4/16/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter

Pirates led 3-1 going to the bottom of the 6th inning with just 12 outs remaining between them and a rare series victory over the rival Cardinals but they just couldn’t hold it, falling to St. Louis in 10 innings.

The Bucs notched 7 hits and 2 walks off starter Miles Mikolas but were unable to do much damage against him in his 5.2 innings of work.

Mitch Keller danced in-and-out of trouble throughout his starter, leaving the game up to the bullpen after his six innings of work.

Heading to the top of the 10th, they scored Andrew McCutchen off a 1-out groundout by Canaan Smith-Njigba. The lead would not hold as Wil Crowe surrendered an RBI double with 1 out and 2 on to tie the game before Tommy Edman singled in the winning run to walk it off.

News & Notes

  • Keller didn’t have his best stuff today but managed to generate another quality start for Pirates pitchers – the 6th day in a row that they’ve accomplished that feat.
  • Ke’Bryan Hayes had a leadoff triple that bounced past Lars Nootbaar in center field. He scored on a sacrifice fly from Bryan Reynolds.
  • Carlos Santana took a grounder off the chest for the second day in a row but stayed in the game.
  • Jack Suwinski went 2-for-3 with a 2nd inning single and a ground rule double in the 4th, boosting his batting average to .200.
  • Duane Underwood Jr, Colin Holderman and David Bednar each had scoreless appearances, allowing just 3 hits and 1 walk with 2 strikeouts in their 3 innings of work.
  • Before the game, LHP Rob Zastryzny was placed on the 15-day injured list with reported left elbow discomfort. RHP Yohan Ramirez was recalled to take his spot on the roster. This leaves only rule 5 draft pick Jose Hernandez as the lone lefty in the Pirates pen.
  • The Pirates will travel to Colorado to face the Rockies tomorrow night. First pitch is at 8:40pm. Let’s Go Bucs!

Free Baseball In St. Louis:(9-6)

4/14/23- By Craig W. Toth – @BucsBasement on Twitter

“Maybe tomorrow we’ll all wear 42, so nobody can tell us apart.” 

Since 2004 I have experienced Jackie Robinson Day on a local level. Even in Pittsburgh each of these games have a totally different feeling to any other game. It’s simply not your regular day at the ballpark.

Today I was able to enjoy the atmosphere from the point of view of another fanbase. And, let me tell you, St. Louis absolutely knocked it out of the ballpark.

For the Pirates, the game started out with a bang.

And, it ended with a bang.

For the most part the Cardinals hurlers matched the Pirates pitch for pitch, but not in extras, as Pittsburgh topped St. Louis 6-3.

News & Notes

  • Prior to last night’s contest in Ji-Man Choi was a last minute scratch. Today he was placed on the 10-Day IL-retroactive to yesterday-with a strain on the left Achilles tendon; described as a posterior ankle discomfort by the Pirates originally. In his place, Tucupita Marcano; fresh off a heater with the Indianapolis Indians. Across 48 plate appearances he slashed .422/.458/.689 with a homer, a triple and 7 doubles.
  • Roansy was wild at times; but he did battle. On the day he posted a line 6IP/6H/2ER/3BB/6K.
  • The bullpen got a workout. Called upon for 4 innings, thanks to an extra inning of free baseball. Of the five relievers, only Rob Zastryzny allowed a Cardinal to score. The other four-Robert Stephenson, Colin Holderman, David Bednar and Dauri Moreta-did not allow a hit and walked two, while striking out five.
  • Brendan Donovan gave the Pirates fits, going 3 for 4 with a double.
  • The Pirates have secured at least a split of the 4 -game series at Busch Stadium.

The final game of the series is set for 2:15 EST. Mitch Keller (1-0, 3.57 ERA) is scheduled to toe the rubber against Miles Mikolas (0-1, 10.05 ERA).

Cards Blank Bucs 3-0, Oviedo Sparkles for Pittsburgh: (8-6)

4/14/23 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter

Sometimes the story of a ballgame ceases to be about the outcome and more about an event or a performance. Tonight was one of those nights.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, the final score counts plenty, we’ll get there I promise.

We have to start with Johan Oviedo though, because this kid, yeah, he’s becoming a story. The Slider he’s throwing, it’s just wicked, one of the sickest actions I’ve seen a Pirates pitcher throw as a starter, like that elite.

The demeanor on the mound just oozes confidence and when he gets into a dogfight with a hitter, he almost looks like he wants the damn fight.

There’s something here kids, that kid has a big arm and he’s just learning how to use it. Can’t express how important it is for this team’s chances moving forward to turn one of those rental flips into a true rotation fixture would be.

Now, enough fawning over what I thought of Oviedo’s night. He left the game on the hook down 1-0 and his line was 7IP, 1ER, 1BB and 10Ks, but my goodness, the line won’t tell you the story.

Duane Underwood Jr surrendered 2 more runs in the 8th inning. He only lasted one out and gave up the 2 earned runs so, the Cards were poised to return the favor from game one.

And so they did.

Woodford pitched well for the Cardinals but their incredible defense easily prevented a couple runs.

Then you have the ones that are just, well, this is why they get gold gloves folks.

Back at it tomorrow at 1:30.

Roansy Contreras tomorrow, looking for a bounce back performance.

It’s Jackie Robinson Day tomorrow, always look forward to all the remembrances everyone has on that day in MLB.

News & Notes

  • Prior to the game, the Pirates changed the lineup. Pulling Ji-man Choi and replacing him with Connor Joe at 1B. Choi had tweaked his ankle and was having it checked out.
  • Derek Shelton said before the game that Carlos Santana had a scheduled day off, and he was ok after the scare with the wrist last night.
  • Oviedo was insanely good tonight, and Nolan Arenado was 3 for 3 with a walk. Sometimes a guy just sees ya.
  • Good to see Robert Stephenson back, looked good cleaning up the mess for Underwood.
  • According to Jason Mackey of the Post Gazette, The Pirates have already decided they will retain Derek Shelton beyond this season.
  • Pirates hit 11 balls 100+ MPH tonight. They were also shut out. This isn’t to ease the pain, but that kind of contact is going to lead to success more often than being shut out.
  • Everyone in the starting lineup had a hit today with the exception of Connor Joe, just couldn’t crack the code all night.
  • Oviedo after the game said last year with St. Louis he wasn’t throwing his curveball much, but when he came to Pittsburgh and they wanted to stretch him out he reintroduced it as he stretched out.

Velasquez, Pirates Blank Cardinals 5-0: (8-5)

04/13/2023 – By Ethan Smith – @mvp_Ethan on Twitter

I. Am. Inevitable.

The Pittsburgh Pirates secured their first shutout victory at Busch Stadium on Thursday night with a 5-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, the first shutout for the Buccos in St. Louis since 2013 and the first time since 2018 that the Pirates have won eight of their first 13 games.

Vince Velasquez bounced back in a big way after a rough set of outings to begin the season, pitching six scoreless innings for the first time since 2021, adding in six strikeouts and 18 swing and misses against a strong Cardinals lineup which would also be his largest mark in that category across his career.

Pittsburgh would finally get the scoring going in the top of the sixth as Andrew McCutchen and Carlos Santana would hit back-to-back doubles to begin the inning and gives the Pirates a 1-0 lead. McCutchen would add a sacrifice fly to score Ji-Hwan Bae in the seventh to extend the lead to 2-0.

Connor Joe and Rodolfo Castro would hit back-to-back homers in the top of the eighth, both their first homers of the season, to extend the lead to 4-0 for the Pirates.

Jordan Montgomery would have a solid outing as well for the Cardinals, pitching 6 1/3 with five strikeouts and two earned runs, proving he’s the Cardinals most and arguably only consistent starting pitcher thus far this season.

Duane Underwood Jr. would follow suit for Velasquez with a scoreless seventh, something that has become a trend for Pittsburgh as it seems some roles have begun to be defined in the Pirates bullpen with Underwood Jr appearing in the seventh quite a bit as of late.

Colin Holderman would enter in the eighth and pitch a scoreless inning despite letting the bases load up before getting a line drive out from Nolan Gorman to preserve the Pirates four run lead heading into the ninth.

Ke’Bryan Hayes would double and score on a wild pitch in the ninth to extend the Pirates lead to five.

Dauri Moreta would come on in a non-save opportunity in the ninth to secure the victory for Pittsburgh and take the early lead in the four-game set in St. Louis.

The Pirates and Cardinals continue their four game set tomorrow as RHP Johan Oviedo(3.18 ERA) faces RHP Jake Woodford(9.00 ERA).

News & Notes

  • Vince Velasquez throws six shutout innings for the first time since 2021: 6.0 IP, 6 SO, 2 BB, 3 H
  • Jordan Montgomery final line: 6.1 IP, 5 SO, 2 BB, 6 H, 2 ER
  • Bryan Reynolds had a scheduled rest day
  • Connor Joe hit his first HR as a Pirates and Rodolfo Castro hits one right after for his first of the season
  • Ji-Hwan Bae saves multiple runs with highlight plays, or as I like to call them, Highlight Bae’s, in center field
  • Andrew McCutchen adds another RBI to his season total, scoring Bae on a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning
  • First Pirates shutout at Busch Stadium since 2013

Through The Prospect Porthole: Nick Gonzales

4-13-23 By Craig W. Toth (aka @BucsBasement on Twitter)

As soon as Oneil Cruz was helped off the field-and in some cases even before then-rumblings of wanting Nick Gonzales on the Major League Roster, sooner rather than later, began to circulate Pirates Fan Social Media; especially since he received the promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis, with the intention of giving him regular playing time at second base.

Over the past two seasons, Gonzales has missed significant playing time. In 2021 it was due to a broken his pinky in Greensboro, followed by a torn plantar fascia in his heal while with the Curve.

In spite of these injuries, he was able to slash .285/.384/.506 with a 139 wRC+, 25 homers and 75 total extra base hits across 696 plate appearances.

As I have mentioned before-as recent as last week-I am not extremely concerned about what Gonzales is able to do when he makes contact with the ball. It’s always been the strikeouts that worry me.

This far in his professional career has a K-rate that is creeping towards 30%. If he was a pure power hitter I wouldn’t be as concerned, thanks to a BB-rate that is consistently over 10%. But, he’s not a power hitter.

Prior to the 2020 MLB Draft, scouts saw his strength as having a short/compact swing with a ton of bat speed, that could move through the strike-zone due his control. At the time they also questioned his power due him hitting inside the friendly confines of Presley Askew Field at New Mexico State; often drawing comps to the recently DFA’d Keston Hiura of the Brewers.

Since being selected by the Pirates at 7th in the 1st Round-a pick that was described as fortunate due to him being ranked higher in the majority of publications-this comp has continued to be utilized; adding in ones to Carter Kieboom and Jeter Downs. Of the three, the last one is the most telling as it deals with both players propensity to swing under upper-zone fastballs, and guess on breaking balls.

As a contact hitter with a decent amount of pop, these aren’t the connections you want people to be making concerning your approach at the plate. Yet, that isn’t even as bad as things get.

When you move away from comps, and begin to look at actual statistics, the apprehension level continues to increase.

Last year in Double-A Altoona, Gonzales had a 68% Z-contact% (Zone Contact Percentage). For reference, back in 2021 the league average was 84.6% among qualified hitters; and just last season only three batters-with 100 or more plate appearances were below 70%-Chris Morel, Brett Phillips and Eli White. Of the players listed only Morel had an above average wRC+ (108), while Phillips and White landed at 38 and 67 respectively.

Still, when the kid gets hot, it’s hard to get him out. Each of the last two seasons, Gonzales has finished strong after returning from injury; slashing .304/.388/.568 with a 158 wRC+ across his 312 plate appearances in Greensboro and .295/.409/.527 with a 154 wRC+ over the final month and change in Altoona.

This success has also transferred over to the Arizona Fall League after 2021 and 2022.

In 2021 he a 1.032 OPS in a Javelina’s uniform.

Then this last fall he posted an .851.

Unfortunately, it simply hasn’t transitioned into early season outcomes as of yet.

Sure, we can see the highlights if we scan Twitter for even a couple of seconds. However, it’s not like people are posting the strikeouts, or other plate appearances as well.

So far this season, Gonzales has 18 strike outs in only 44 plate appearances. That’s a clip of over 40.9%.

Will this improve?

Well, based on history it absolutely should. It is just going to take time.

Which is why there is no reason to rush the young man. Let him get settled in, start to hit one of his hot streaks, and then call him up.

The last thing we need is for him to come up, struggle and get sent back down.

Just be patient. If it’s going to happen, it will happen. There’s no reason to force it.

Pittsburgh Pirates (7-5) at St. Louis Cardinals (5-7) – Series Preview

4-13-23 – By Christian Wolf – @CWolfPGH on Twitter

The Pirates travel to St. Louis to open a four-game series against the Cardinals

When & Who

Game 1 – (4/13, 7:45PM EST) 

Probable Pitchers: 
For the Pirates – Vince Velasquez (0-2, 9.82 ERA) 
For the Cardinals – Jordan Montgomery (2-0, 2.25 ERA) 

Game 2 – (4/14, 8:15PM EST) 

Probable Pitchers: 
For the Pirates – Johan Oviedo (1-0, 3.18 ERA) 
For the Cardinals –  Jake Woodford (0-2, 9.00 ERA)

Game 3 – (4/15, 2:15PM EST) 

Probable Pitchers: 
For the Pirates – Roansy Contreras (1-1, 8.00 ERA) 
For the Cardinals –  Steven Matz (0-2, 8.18 ERA) 

Game 4 – (4/16, 2:15PM EST) 

Probable Pitchers: 
For the Pirates – Mitch Keller (1-0, 3.57 ERA) 
For the Cardinals – Miles Mikolas (0-1, 10.05 ERA)

Team Trends 

The Cardinals are entering this series having lost five of their past eight games, with their starting rotation being the root of their early season woes. The Cardinals rotation ranks 25th in all of baseball with its 5.98ERA, lasting just 61.2 innings so far this season. But the Cardinals are hitting .324 as a team at home this season, posing a challenge for Pirates pitchers. 

The Pirates, on the other hand, are coming into this game winners of five of their past eight games. Pirates starters haven’t been much better than St. Louis, putting up a 5.82ERA in 60.1 innings, good for 24th in MLB. The Bucs bullpen has been generally solid early on, posting a 3.74ERA in 45.2 innings, good for fifth best  in the National League, and will be needed against this strong Cardinals lineup. 

Who’s Hot

For the Cardinals – Jordan Walker: The Cardinals rookie has opened the season with a 12-game hitting streak, batting .319 with an .849 OPS to go along with two home runs. 

For the Pirates – Rodolfo Castro: The Pirates infielder has reached base safely in his past four starts, including two multi-hit games in that stretch, raising his average to .286 and his OPS to .756.

Who’s Not 

For the Cardinals – Wilson Contreras: The Cardinals’ catcher is hitless in his past four games and has just one hit in his last eighteen at bats, and will look to reverse that trend against the Pirates after opening the season with a .179 average and .443 OPS. 

For the Pirates – Carlos Santana: The Bucs first basemen has had an on-and-off start to his season, but has just two hits in his past sixteen at-bats. A turnaround series from Santana could prove to give the Bucs the boost they need to win games in St. Louis.  

Series Overview & Prediction

The Pirates will have their three best pitchers on the mound this series, and will have the added benefit of facing a scuffling team still trying to piece it all together. That being said, winning in St. Louis is never an easy task. The Cardinals are a lot better than their early record indicates, and opening their season against the Blue Jays, Braves, and division leading Brewers didn’t make it any easier. They are bound to get hot at some point, and a four-game series at Busch Stadium might be the right time. 

Then again, this season has had the start the Pirates have been looking for. The growth and improvement this team has shown from both the 2021 and last year’s 2022 team is apparent. Players like Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds have had outstanding starts to the season, and when a team is playing good, smart baseball, it’s hard to slow them down. 

Four-game series are tough. I’m going to take the easy route and predict a split, with each side taking two games. I like the Pirates chances with Keller, Contreras, and Oviedo taking the mound, but the Cardinals are a tough customer with tons of talent and will likely make a series split itself, much less a series victory, difficult for the Pirates.

Editor’s Note: Please join us here at ITBB in welcoming Christian Wolf to our team. At first, you can expect him to focus on these Series Previews, but over time, that could certainly grow. Do give him a follow if you don’t already. – Gary