Breakout candidate
Nick Burdi
After Tommy John surgery in 2017 and a horrific arm injury last season, Burdi has elevated his velocity into the high 90s. Derek Shelton called his stuff “electric,” which describes the type of pitches a closer needs to be successful. He never has closed in the majors, but he has 44 saves between college at Louisville and the minors.
Pressure’s on
Kyle Crick
He has more career saves (two) than anyone on the staff, with the exception of Keone Kela, but Crick’s WHIP went from 1.127 in 2018 to 1.551 last season. The Pirates need him to turn his career in the other direction.
By the numbers
40 — Total home runs allowed last season by Kyle Crick, Richard Rodriguez, Michael Feliz and Clay Holmes, who logged the most innings out of the bullpen among returning Pirates pitchers.
4 — Career major league saves compiled by 11 Pirates relief pitchers (excluding Kela, who has missed the entirety of spring training 2.0).
