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 continued their Grapefruit League tour by returning to McKechnie Field to take on the Houston Astros. In an offensive outpouring, the Astros came away with an 11-8 victory, dropping the Pirates to 2-3 in spring games. This was the third time in six games that the Pirates have scored at least eight runs. Unfortunately, while the offense has been great so far, the pitching hasn’t.
Juan Nicasio made his debut as a starter for the Pirates as the team hopes to get Nicasio stretched out to be used as either a starter or a long reliever during the regular season. I doubt he’ll beat out Jeff Locke or Ryan Vogelsong for the fifth spot in the rotation, but having a former starter in the bullpen to be used as a spot starter is valuable.
Nicasio’s start went well as he pitched two innings of scoreless ball, striking out two and allowing just one hit. Arquimedes Caminero, Jared Hughes, and Kelvin Marte were all hit hard, however, although Kelvin Marte isn’t expected to make the big league squad come Opening Day.
On the offensive side of the ball, Max Moroff went 2-2 as he looks to turn some heads coming off a Pirates Minor League Player of the Year award in 2015. Michael Morse went 2-3 and displayed the raw power he has with a long single off the wall early on. Juan Diaz also had two hits, as he looks to be an infield depth option out of Triple-A this season.
The Pirates’ infield defense continues to have issues, but it’s still early and shouldn’t be made out to be a bigger deal than it is at this point. John Jaso is still adjusting to first, but we also saw miscues from Jordy Mercer and Moroff as well. Mercer is as sure-handed as any shortstop in baseball, though, and I’m sure he’ll continue his quality defensive ability this season.
Unfortunately there’s no video available to us today, but here are some tweets that should keep all of you interested in spring ball:
Hurdle on Jaso in cleanup spot: "He could end up there. I'm not settled on anything right yet. Marte wasn't in there. Good option for us."
— Matt Gajtka (GITE-kah) (@MattGajtka) March 6, 2016
The Astros have five home runs today. The Pirates haven't hit one in five games.
— Matt Gajtka (GITE-kah) (@MattGajtka) March 6, 2016
You may have seen Mike Morse ask for the ball after his single in the 5th. No joke: He said it was to commemorate his 100th spring RBI.
— Matt Gajtka (GITE-kah) (@MattGajtka) March 6, 2016
Juan Nicasio says he is happy to pitch out of the rotation or the bullpen. He is even happier that he no longer pitches at Coors Field.
— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) March 6, 2016
LHP Cory Luebke (hamstring) threw another bullpen session today. “No reservations.” In line for two sim games this week, then game action.
— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) March 6, 2016
I do know that a few teams asked about Chad Kuhl and the #Pirates refused to move him. Easy to see why. 96 MPH sinker and improving slider.
— Tim Williams (@TimWilliamsP2) March 6, 2016
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