With opening day just a few weeks away, it’s time for the Pirates roster to start taking shape. This morning, the Pirates made their first cuts of spring training. The most notable cuts were their No. 2 prospect Jameson Taillon and one of the players in the Joel Hanrahan deal, Jerry Sands.
Taillon arrived back in Bradenton yesterday after pitching for Team Canada in the WBC. Taillon was assigned to minor league camp.
Along with Taillon, Matt Hague, Darren Ford, Anderson Hernandez and Erik Cordier were also assigned.
Sands, who by many was considered the centerpiece in the Boston deal, came into camp battling to make the opening day roster. The former prospect for the Dodgers was only able to collect four hits in his 22 plate appearances this spring (all singles).
Joining Sands in demotion were Stolmy Pimentel (another piece of the Boston trade), hard-throwing Vic Black, first baseman Clint Robinson, right-handed pitcher Hunter Strickland and pitcher Duke Welker.
As spring training winds down, the cuts will start to come more frequently. While the bullpen has some flexibility, there are only a few bench spots up for grabs.
With Michael McKenry, Jose Tabata and Gaby Sanchez all locked in for opening day, it’s down to Brandon Inge, Josh Harrison, Alex Presley, Jordy Mercer and Chase d’Arnaud competing for two roster spots.
Photo Credits: Associated Press
