Pirates/MLB category, Page 249
Pirates minor league report for Aug. 22, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 62-67) lost 5-4 to Toledo (Tigers). RHP Blake Cederlind (0-1, 16.20 ERA) was the losing pitcher after giving up three runs in the eighth inning of a game the Indians led, 4-1. Cederlind allowed five hits with three strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings. 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (.253) went...
Pirates fall to Nationals, drop to 8-30 since All-Star BreakVideo
The Pittsburgh Pirates have lost six games in a row when Steven Brault is their starting pitcher, including a 7-1 decision Thursday night at PNC Park to the Washington Nationals. You would think Brault is to blame. You would be wrong. Brault solidified his status as the Pirates’ best starting...
Auditions continue for Pirates catchers Elias Diaz, Jacob StallingsVideo
Francisco Cervelli is gone, but nothing changes for catchers Elias Diaz and Jacob Stallings. Their audition to remain the Pittsburgh Pirates’ major league catching duo continues. It hasn’t been a good season for Diaz, however. He hit .286 last season but got a late start this year while suffering from...
Pirates cut ties with catcher Francisco Cervelli
The news reached the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse several hours before Felipe Vazquez was asked about Thursday’s release of his friend, catcher Francisco Cervelli. “I still can’t believe it,” he said. “It’s going to be tough for everyone.” The Pirates had been playing without Cervelli since he went on the concussion...
As historic slump worsens, Pirates’ Clint Hurdle faces question about his job securityVideo
For perhaps the first time during his nine years as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clint Hurdle was forced to confront a public question about his job security. After another lopsided defeat — 11-1 to the Washington Nationals on Wednesday — Hurdle was asked if he is concerned his job...
Pirates minor league report: Aug. 21, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 61-66) lost 9-8 to Toledo (Tigers) in the first game of a doubleheader on a walk-off double. Game 2 ended too late. The Indians led 7-0 after one inning, and the Mud Hens scored seven unanswered runs in the final two innings. RHP Geoff Hartlieb (4-1, 2.78) took...
Nationals tag Joe Musgrove early in dismantling of PiratesVideo
After a one-night reprieve, the free-fall continues. A six-run third inning did in starter Joe Musgrove, and the Pittsburgh Pirates managed just three singles off of Washington starter Patrick Corbin in an 11-1 Nationals win Wednesday night. It was the Pirates’ 29th loss in 37 games since the All-Star break,...
Consistency fueling what Starling Marte believes is his best season for Pirates
Starling Marte was named the Pittsburgh Pirates most valuable player last season in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America’s local chapter. Regardless of whether he repeats, Marte said he believes this is his best season. There is no disputing Marte has been more consistent in 2019. The veteran...
Pirates’ Jameson Taillon optimistic; Francisco Cervelli progressing
Jameson Taillon remains about 18 months away from pitching in a spring training game. But the long road back from Tommy John surgery began for the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher. “ ‘Jamo’ is eight days post-(surgery),” Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said, “and he had a nice landmark yesterday,...
In need of arms, Pirates recall pitchers Dario Agrazal, Parker Markel
Clint Hurdle speculated Wednesday afternoon that in the absence of any roster moves, the Pittsburgh Pirates would have had only three bullpen arms available for that night’s game against the Washington Nationals. So the Pirates brought in some reinforcements: right-handers Dario Agrazal and Parker Markel were recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis....
Pirates’ Chris Archer goes on IL with shoulder inflammation
A day after leaving his outing because of shoulder discomfort, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Chris Archer was examined by physicians, who recommended rest. “We will reassess in about 7 -10 days,” Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday. “Chris will remain with the club and continue his conditioning program...
First Call: Antonio Brown calls new helmet ‘ugly’; Little Leaguer rips Pirates crowd
Wednesday’s “First Call” features a potential answer as to why Antonio Brown is so bent out of shape over his helmet issue. A Little Leaguer calls out Pittsburgh Pirates attendance on live television. Baker Mayfield goes scorched earth. Starling Marte flashes his skill. And one ex-Pirate robs another. He never...
U mad, bro? Readers rip Neal Huntington, Rod Woodson, Antonio Brown and Quentin Tarantino
It’s time for this week’s edition of “U mad, bro?” Many of you certainly are. You are mad at Antonio Brown, Rod Woodson, Neal Huntington and everyone else in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Even Quentin Tarantino is catching heat this week. Robert is beside himself, suffering through the poor play...
Pirates minor league report for Aug. 20, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 61-65) was postponed because of rain. The game is to be made up Wednesday. Next: Wednesday at Toledo (Tigers), 6:35 p.m. ••• ALTOONA (Double-A, 63-64) lost 5-4 to Hartford (Rockies). RHP Blake Cederlind (5-1, 1.77 ERA) was tabbed with the defeat and blew a save opportunity after walking...
Starling Marte’s 3-run homer caps Pirates’ late rally over NationalsVideo
Even with two surgically-replaced hips, the quick first step Clint Hurdle took off the postgame podium at PNC Park was perhaps topped only by the jump Starling Marte got on the fly ball into the gap he caught to end the game minutes prior. Hurdle was walking with defiant purpose...
Pirates’ Chris Archer leaves start after 1 inning because of shoulder injury
It’s tough to determine whose season has turned more nightmarish — the Pittsburgh Pirates’ or veteran starter Chris Archer’s. Each took a further turn for the worse Tuesday when Archer left his start after one inning because of injury. The reason the team gave for Archer’s removal was “right shoulder...
With September’s expanded rosters coming, Pirates prep for call-ups
In part because of injuries and partly because of poor performances commensurate with a last-place team, the Pittsburgh Pirates have used 48 players this season. So when rosters expand Sept. 1, there might not be many unfamiliar faces in their clubhouse. “You have probably seen most of them,” manager Clint...
Pirates’ Richard Rodriguez returns from injured list, Kyle Crick begins suspension
The Pittsburgh Pirates keep cycling through their suspensions relating to the brawl with the Cincinnati Reds late last month. With infielder/outfielder Jose Osuna eligible to return to the active roster in time for Tuesday’s home game against the Washington Nationals, reliever Kyle Crick will begin to serve his three-game suspension....
First Call: Rod Woodson is critical of Roethlisberger and Tomlin; Bill Madlock back in MLB?
In “First Call” Tuesday, Rod Woodson is critical of one of his former teams. But is it the right one? Some in the national media are ramping up the criticism of Antonio Brown. And Bill Madlock jokes about getting back into baseball. Maybe the Pirates should re-sign him and bat...
Tim Benz: Fans should hold Pirates’ Neal Huntington to his word after this quote
After a while, it gets tuned out. When Pittsburgh Pirates management waxes optimistic about good times ahead, it turns to white noise. With only four winning seasons since 1993, you build a filter. But please jot down this pearl from general manager Neal Huntington so you can have it ready...
Pirates minor league report: Francisco Cervelli goes 1 for 2 with RBI
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 61-65) lost 12-4 to Toledo (Tigers). LHP Brandon Waddell (2-6, 9.24 with Indianapolis) was responsible for the defeat after giving up four earned runs, seven total, in two innings with two strikeouts, three walks and six hits allowed. CF Jason Martin (.266) went 2 for 4 from the...
Trevor Williams’ struggles continue for Pirates in 13-0 loss to NationalsVideo
Trevor Williams spoke softly, but with conviction and purpose, while trying to explain what has gone wrong for him this season. He was roughed up Monday night by the Washington Nationals, lasting only the first two innings of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 13-0 loss in front of a crowd of 11,284...
Chad Kuhl returns to PNC Park, vows 2020 comeback
Chad Kuhl stepped back onto the pitching mound last week in what can be considered an encouraging sign 11 months after Tommy John surgery. “I’ve been on the mound for a couple weeks now,” said Kuhl, who was back at PNC Park on Monday as part of his recovery. He...
Recent stretches by Pirates, Nationals show baseball’s unpredictability
When someone mentioned to Clint Hurdle on Monday afternoon that baseball is a difficult game to figure out, he enjoyed a good laugh. Which is probably a good thing for a manager to do occasionally when his team has lost 27 of 34 games. “There’s some wisdom there,” he said,...
Mark Madden: Roberto Clemente was great but not nearly greatest
Roberto Clemente would have turned 85 this past Sunday. If he’s not the best player in Pirates history, he’s definitely the most revered and rightly so. Clemente oozed class and poise, conducting himself in forthright fashion. His plane crashed while on a mission of charity, further sanctifying him in the...
