The Pirates’ bats went silent on their three-day trip to New York, and they come home with a three-game losing streak. Joe Block has the recap of yesterday’s loss.
Manager Derek Shelton says the offense failed them in New York.
Shelton says his hitters are being too patient at the plate.
The Pirates’ hot start to the season came as a result of manufacturing runs, playing “small ball”. Shelton would like that mindset to return.
The Bucs have the day off today before opening a seven-game homestand with three against the Red Sox, starting tomorrow night at PNC Park.
Catcher Joey Bart was originally in the lineup for yesterday’s game but was scratched due to “illness”. While the team did not say it was related, it did note that Bart was hit in the head by a home run ball while catching in the bullpen earlier in the week.
Ke’Bryan Hayes missed his second straight game with lower back tightness. Shelton said the back “locked up on” Hayes and they’re working on him.
Catcher Yasmani Grandal was not in the lineup last night in a 1-0 Indianapolis win over St. Paul. Grandal is on a minor league rehab assignment with Indy. Shelton said Grandal is having his “spring training” as he returns from plantar fasciitis. Grandal may get a chance to catch Paul Skenes tonight, as the Pirates’ top prospect looks to keep his ERA of zero going.
