Yesterday, it was announced the Indianapolis Indians pitcher Tyler Glasnow was named International League Pitcher of the Week. The award did not surprise Jared Hughes, who recently was with the Indians as part of his rehab assignment. “I really had never seen him before spending time with him in Indy," he said. "I’ve seen him in Spring Training, but that’s always tough to judge. Watching him in Indy was pretty impressive. It’s funny because he won player of the week but (Steven) Brault or ... Read More
Pirates prospect Glasnow named IL Pitcher of the Week
The Pirates say that Tyler Glasnow has to work on his control and consistency with his third pitch, a changeup. Glasnow seems to have taken note of their wishes and it showed on the field. Glasnow was named the International League Pitcher of the Week for April 25 to May 1. During that time, Glasnow whiffed 18 batters over 11 innings, while leading his team to two victories. On the season, Glasnow has 37 strikeouts, which leads Triple-A. Another week, another award! Tyler Glasnow is the IL ... Read More
Pirates Kang showed no signs of rust in Triple-A debut
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang began his rehab assignment last night in Indianapolis. In joining the Triple-A Indians, Kang will look to fully return from the traumatic leg injury suffered in September of last season. In his first non-simulated game action since that fateful slide from Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan ended his debut season, Kang went 0-for-3, contributing with a walk and run scored. Scheduled to play seven innings regardless of game situation or performance, ... Read More
Pirates sign Justin Masterson to minor league deal
According to Jon Heyman, the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed right-handed starting pitcher Justin Masterson to a minor league deal. Justin Masterson agrees to minors deal with pirates — Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 14, 2016 Masterson made nine starts and nine relief appearances for the Boston Red Sox in 2015 with a 5.61 ERA in 59.1 innings. The 31-year-old has a 4.31 career ERA, with a 64-74 record. He has also played for the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals, and was an AL ... Read More
What Polanco’s extension means for Pirates future
When Gregory Polanco agreed to an extension, the Pittsburgh Pirates solidified their future outfield. Or did they? In the short term, yes. The trio of Polanco, Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte are now under contract through the 2018 season. Things get unclear after that. McCutchen’s contract ends after the 2018 season, and it is hard to say whether he will be re-signed. Does having Polanco in the fold until at least 2021 help prepare for McCutchen’s departure? He is one of ... Read More
COLUMN: Pirates continue trend as early deciders
In signing Gregory Polanco to an extension yesterday, the Pittsburgh Pirates continued to beef up their reputation as early deciders. In identifying talent early and then deciding on how that talent might develop, the club prides itself on manufacturing certainty. Make no mistake, Polanco’s extension is a matter of cost control. In locking up the right fielder while he is still pre-arbitration eligible, general manager Neal Huntington has a level of certainty in his outfield that breeds ... Read More
Report: Pirates, Polanco agree to extension
Fresh off of a 2-3 performance with two runs in the Pirates 4-1 Opening Day win over the St. Louis Cardinals, Gregory Polanco reportedly has something else fresh today - the ink on his newly-signed contract extension. According to a report Yahoo! Sports Jeff Passan, Polanco and the team have agreed to a five-year contract extension with club options, locking up the 24-year-old outfielder. The deal would follow suit with previous moves by the Pirates when they locked up Starling Marte and ... Read More
Pirates confirm Juan Nicasio as fifth starter in rotation
This afternoon, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle confirmed that Juan Nicasio will be slotted in as Pittsburgh's fifth starter in the rotation. Nicasio, who signed with the Pirates on Dec. 10, has earned this right after coming off of impressive play in Spring Training. Rob Biertempfel of the Trib had the news first. Juan Nicasio will be in #pirates starting. rotation. Ryan Vogelsong to bullpen. — Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) March 30, 2016 The 29-year-old right hander came into ... Read More
Pirates trim roster to 35
The Pittsburgh Pirates made several moves Tuesday morning which bring the team closer to finding its major league roster. Infielder Jake Goebbert, pitcher Trey Haley and Rob Scahill were all sent to Triple-A Indianapolis while outfielders Danny Ortiz and Antoan Richardson in addition to pitchers Curtis Patsch and Robert Zarate each got reassigned to minor league camp. Goebbert was an early off-season signing who provided a left-handed bat with capabilities of playing first base and right ... Read More
Freese addition gives Pirates flexibility, time to develop prospects
David Freese stuck the dagger in the 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates when blasted a second inning home run in Game Five of the National League Divisional Series. Now, he’s competing for a job with them. With Jung Ho Kang now likely to start the season on the disabled list, Freese went from unemployed to a near lock to being the Pirates’ opening day starter at third base. When Kang returns, likely in mid-April, Freese is slated to be the right-handed platoon partner with John Jaso at first ... Read More