The Pirates squared off with the Blue Jays in Bradenton last night. Joe Block has the recap.
David Bednar made his first appearance of spring training and pitched a scoreless inning, allowing two hits, but getting a double-play grounder and striking out Bo Bichette on a curveball in the dirt.
Other spring training milestones yesterday included Andrew McCutchen playing in the outfield for the first time this spring and new center fielder Michael A. Taylor playing for the first time. He struck out and flied out in two plate appearances.
The Pirates yesterday optioned former first round draft choice Nick Gonzales and outfielder Joshua Palacios to Indianapolis, leaving the Bucs with 43 players in big league camp.
Tonight, the Pirates are in Sarasota to play the Orioles. Right-handed rookie sensation Jared Jones, with a 1-0 record and ERA of zero in five games this spring, gets the start. We’re on the air on WCCS at six o’clock.
MLB
With spring training winding down, some big-name free agents are finally landing with new teams.
All-Star pitcher Michael Lorenzon signs a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers. He threw a no-hitter for the Tigers last year before being traded to the Phillies for the stretch run.
The Mets agree to a one-year deal with outfielder/DH JD Martinez, who hit 33 home runs and drove in 103 runs for the Dodgers last year.
Also, the Reds yesterday acquired infielder Santiago Espinal from the Blue Jays in exchange for minor leaguer Chris McElvain. Espinal played second and third base along with short stop last season. Cincinnati is in need of an infielder after determining that second baseman Matt McClain could require shoulder surgery.
