Each day during spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pirates Breakdown will give you game recaps, news updates, and video of player and coach interviews, highlights, and more from the day.
The Pirates dropped their fourth straight spring training game on Wednesday in a 6-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox at McKechnie Field. It was the team’s first game against the Red Sox, and it was another outing in which a Bucs’ pitcher had a rough start. Ryan Vogelsong led off the day for the Pirates and, after a scoreless debut earlier this spring, was roughed up in his three innings of work today. Vogelsong allowed three runs on four hits and two walks, while not tossing a single strikeout. Six other Pirates’ pitchers each pitched one inning a piece, including a few players competing for the final bullpen spot in Eric O’Flaherty, John Holdzkom, and Trey Haley. Jared Hughes and Arquimedes Caminero each allowed runs as their rough springs continued, while Haley and Mark Melancon continued their perfect springs.
On the offensive side, Alen Hanson notched another hit as he tries to make a push for one of the final bench spots on the Opening Day roster. Outfield prospect Adam Frazier was 2-2 on the day as he continues to be an intriguing outfield prospect with a lot of power. Unfortunately for Frazier, the Pirates are loaded at the major and minor league level in terms of outfield talent. Josh Bell‘s rough spring continued as he was hitless on the day, and Andrew McCutchen got the day off.
For the Red Sox, former Cardinal Joe Kelly got the start and allowed one run in 2.1 innings of work. Four Red Sox relievers combined to allow just one more run the rest of the day. Star catching prospect Blake Swihart notched three hits and Rusney Castillo, another promising young player for Boston, had two hits as he hopes to improve upon his 2015 campaign.
As games continue to play out, spring training stories continue to develop and grow. I for one am intrigued by the possibility of Alen Hanson making the Opening Day roster, as I feel that he could be a very good bench player with the ability to use his speed and bat off the bench, giving you more in that regard than Sean Rodriguez, Jason Rogers, or any other bench option the Pirates might have.
I would also like to see Josh Bell get a few hits at the dish as he sees major league pitching for the first time. If he wants to make the big league squad at some point this season, he has to use every opportunity he gets to show the coaches the offensive upside he brings to the table.
There was no video available from today’s game as it was televised, but, as always, here are a few notable tweets to hold all of you over until tomorrow. Enjoy!
https://twitter.com/BiertempfelTrib/status/707675533421748225
https://twitter.com/BiertempfelTrib/status/707639538294849536
Pirates prospect Austin Meadows injured his right eye Tuesday. Pirates say tests show an orbital fracture
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) March 9, 2016
Tomczyk said it's unclear if Meadows will require surgery (AJ Burnett did in 2012 with similar injury)
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) March 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/BiertempfelTrib/status/707683002000777216
https://twitter.com/BiertempfelTrib/status/707676267890483200
Tomcyzk said Jung Ho Kang's next step in recovery is to get on the dirt in cleats, but will be restricted to "linear" movement
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) March 9, 2016
Tomcyzk said Jung Ho Kang's next step in recovery is to get on the dirt in cleats, but will be restricted to "linear" movement
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) March 9, 2016
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