There was a definite air of excitement in Bradenton yesterday as the Pirates held their first full-squad workout of the spring. Offseason arrivals Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, Marcell Ozuna, Jake Mangum, and Johstynxon Garcia joined incumbents such as Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, Spencer Horwitz, along with super-prospect Konnor Griffin and the highly-touted Pirates’ young pitching staff.
Perhaps the most excited person there was manager Donnie Kelly.
Kelly says the fans are justifiably fired up.
A notable absence was that of Andrew McCutchen. The longtime Pirates icon remains unsigned and there does not appear to be an urgency to get him to camp.
The Bucs made a move yesterday to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. Outfielder Jack Suwinski was designated for assignment. He’ll remain in the Pirates’ system unless he’s claimed by another team or traded.
