The Pittsburgh Pirates, along with every other major league team, finalized their Opening Day roster Sunday at 3 p.m. The Pirates, to the surprise of some, recalled relief pitcher Rob Scahill and designated infielder Pedro Florimon and right-handed pitcher Stolmy Pimentel for assignment.
Manager Clint Hurdle had already informed the media on Saturday that relievers Arquimedes Caminero, Jared Hughes and Radhames Liz likely had made the ball club, as well as first baseman/outfielder Andrew Lambo and he stuck to his word.
This left one roster spot left. Earlier in the afternoon, the Pirates website listed Stolmy Pimentel as having earned the final bullpen spot, however this ultimately proved to be incorrect as the team went in a different direction.
The Pirates seemed to appreciate Florimon’s speed and the possibility that he could provide a needed left-handed bat off the bench. Now, Lambo will be the lone lefty on the bench. Florimon batted .270 in Spring Training with 10 hits, however he had a 37.8 percent strikeout rate and the Pirates opted to give Lambo the final bench spot.
Pimentel would have complimented Liz as a long relief option, however the team opted to go with Scahill. Pimentel, when healthy, had struggles in 2014 and the inconsistencies continued in Spring Training where he posted a 4.91 ERA in 11 innings. Opposing hitters batted .268 against Pimentel. Hurdle never mentioned Pimentel making the Opening Day roster in his time with the media following Saturday’s exhibition game.
Scahill’s move comes as a bit of a surprise since he was sent to minor league camp on Mar. 31. Scahill threw 10 innings this spring and had a 1.80 ERA and holding hitters to a .206 batting average. Scahill has spent parts of the past three seasons with the Colorado Rockies. In 2013 Scahill appeared in 23 games posting a 5.13 ERA and last season made 12 appearances and posting a 4.80 ERA while having a strikeouts-per-nine total of 6.6.
Five Pirates were placed on the disabled list.
With these moves, the following is the official Opening Day roster:
Position players [8]: Pedro Alvarez, Francisco Cervelli, Josh Harrison, Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen, Jordy Mercer, Gregory Polanco, Neil Walker
Bench [5]: Corey Hart, Jung-ho Kang, Andrew Lambo, Sean Rodriguez, Tony Sanchez
Starting pitchers [5]: A.J. Burnett, Gerrit Cole, Francisco Liriano, Jeff Locke, Vance Worley.
Bullpen [7]: Antonio Bastardo, Arquimedes Caminero, Jared Hughes, Radhames Liz, Rob Scahill, Tony Watson, Mark Melancon.
Disabled List [5]: Brandon Cumpton , Jaff Decker, Charlie Morton, Justin Sellers, Chris Stewart.
Photo courtesy: Gene J. Puskar
