Pirates/MLB category, Page 249
Leadoff batter Kevin Newman sparks Pirates in sweep of RedsVideo
Knowing what preceded the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 9-8 victory Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds, Clint Hurdle couldn’t help but smile and poke a little fun at himself. After all, the Pirates manager made the call to insert Kevin Newman atop the batting order, and the rookie shortstop responded by reaching base...
Francisco Cervelli makes dramatic debut with two doubles for Atlanta Braves
Francisco Cervelli said goodbye to Pittsburgh and hello to Atlanta. Hello, hello, hello. Just two days after the charismatic catcher was released by the Pirates, Cervelli made a dramatic debut for the Braves with three hits, including two doubles, and three RBIs in a 9-5 victory over the New York...
Pirates minor league report for Aug. 25, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 64-67) won 7-0 at home against Louisville (Reds). C Christian Kelley (.185) went 2 for 4 with a double, two RBIs and a run. LHP Brandon Waddell (3-6, 8.58 ERA) went six innings allowing no runs on three hits with seven strikeouts and three walks. Next: Sunday vs....
Josh Bell, Colin Moran power Pirates past RedsVideo
Josh Bell is not done. That was the defining message from the All-Star first baseman after he topped 100 RBIs for the first time in the majors, hitting a three-run homer as the Pittsburgh Pirates routed the Cincinnati Reds, 14-0, on Saturday night. “There’s a lot of weight on that...
Pirates farm report: Games of Aug. 23, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 63-67) won 5-2 over Louisville (Reds). The Indians led 4-0 after four innings. RHP James Marvel (5-0, 2.72) earned the victory in a seven-inning outing with six strikeouts and two runs allowed on six hits. 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (.260) went 4 for 5 with an RBI, a run...
Pablo Reyes’ single brings Pirates home victory over RedsVideo
Pablo Reyes hit a game-ending RBI single, driving in pinch-runner Joe Musgrove, and the Pittsburgh Pirates rallied to beat the Cincinnati Reds, 3-2, on Friday night. The Pirates won for just the ninth time in 39 games since the All-Star break by chipping away at Reds closer Raisel Iglesias (2-9)....
Francisco Cervelli pens love letter to Pittsburgh, ‘The city that captivated my heart’
A day after being released by the Pittsburgh Pirates, popular catcher Francisco Cervelli posted a message on social media directed at the city he called home for almost five years. It could best be described as a love letter. In a piece titled, “A letter to the city of Pittsburgh...
Photo gallery: Francisco Cervelli’s passion for baseball made him a fan favorite
From the day he arrived at Pirate City for spring training in 2015, Francisco Cervelli has been one of my favorite players to photograph in my 30 years of covering the Pirates. Cervelli brought a unique passion to the game in Pittsburgh and charmed fans of all ages during the...
Tim Benz: How Pirates might deal with Chris Archer conundrum
When the topics of the Pirates roster and finances intersect, we can often make the mistake of addressing the decision from the view of what should be done. Instead, it’s far more practical to simply address it from the standpoint of what they will likely do. In other words, don’t...
Pirates minor league report for Aug. 22, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 62-67) lost 5-4 to Toledo (Tigers). RHP Blake Cederlind (0-1, 16.20 ERA) was the losing pitcher after giving up three runs in the eighth inning of a game the Indians led, 4-1. Cederlind allowed five hits with three strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings. 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (.253) went...
Pirates fall to Nationals, drop to 8-30 since All-Star BreakVideo
The Pittsburgh Pirates have lost six games in a row when Steven Brault is their starting pitcher, including a 7-1 decision Thursday night at PNC Park to the Washington Nationals. You would think Brault is to blame. You would be wrong. Brault solidified his status as the Pirates’ best starting...
Auditions continue for Pirates catchers Elias Diaz, Jacob StallingsVideo
Francisco Cervelli is gone, but nothing changes for catchers Elias Diaz and Jacob Stallings. Their audition to remain the Pittsburgh Pirates’ major league catching duo continues. It hasn’t been a good season for Diaz, however. He hit .286 last season but got a late start this year while suffering from...
Pirates cut ties with catcher Francisco Cervelli
The news reached the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse several hours before Felipe Vazquez was asked about Thursday’s release of his friend, catcher Francisco Cervelli. “I still can’t believe it,” he said. “It’s going to be tough for everyone.” The Pirates had been playing without Cervelli since he went on the concussion...
As historic slump worsens, Pirates’ Clint Hurdle faces question about his job securityVideo
For perhaps the first time during his nine years as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clint Hurdle was forced to confront a public question about his job security. After another lopsided defeat — 11-1 to the Washington Nationals on Wednesday — Hurdle was asked if he is concerned his job...
Pirates minor league report: Aug. 21, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 61-66) lost 9-8 to Toledo (Tigers) in the first game of a doubleheader on a walk-off double. Game 2 ended too late. The Indians led 7-0 after one inning, and the Mud Hens scored seven unanswered runs in the final two innings. RHP Geoff Hartlieb (4-1, 2.78) took...
Nationals tag Joe Musgrove early in dismantling of PiratesVideo
After a one-night reprieve, the free-fall continues. A six-run third inning did in starter Joe Musgrove, and the Pittsburgh Pirates managed just three singles off of Washington starter Patrick Corbin in an 11-1 Nationals win Wednesday night. It was the Pirates’ 29th loss in 37 games since the All-Star break,...
Consistency fueling what Starling Marte believes is his best season for Pirates
Starling Marte was named the Pittsburgh Pirates most valuable player last season in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America’s local chapter. Regardless of whether he repeats, Marte said he believes this is his best season. There is no disputing Marte has been more consistent in 2019. The veteran...
Pirates’ Jameson Taillon optimistic; Francisco Cervelli progressing
Jameson Taillon remains about 18 months away from pitching in a spring training game. But the long road back from Tommy John surgery began for the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher. “ ‘Jamo’ is eight days post-(surgery),” Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said, “and he had a nice landmark yesterday,...
In need of arms, Pirates recall pitchers Dario Agrazal, Parker Markel
Clint Hurdle speculated Wednesday afternoon that in the absence of any roster moves, the Pittsburgh Pirates would have had only three bullpen arms available for that night’s game against the Washington Nationals. So the Pirates brought in some reinforcements: right-handers Dario Agrazal and Parker Markel were recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis....
Pirates’ Chris Archer goes on IL with shoulder inflammation
A day after leaving his outing because of shoulder discomfort, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Chris Archer was examined by physicians, who recommended rest. “We will reassess in about 7 -10 days,” Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday. “Chris will remain with the club and continue his conditioning program...
First Call: Antonio Brown calls new helmet ‘ugly’; Little Leaguer rips Pirates crowd
Wednesday’s “First Call” features a potential answer as to why Antonio Brown is so bent out of shape over his helmet issue. A Little Leaguer calls out Pittsburgh Pirates attendance on live television. Baker Mayfield goes scorched earth. Starling Marte flashes his skill. And one ex-Pirate robs another. He never...
U mad, bro? Readers rip Neal Huntington, Rod Woodson, Antonio Brown and Quentin Tarantino
It’s time for this week’s edition of “U mad, bro?” Many of you certainly are. You are mad at Antonio Brown, Rod Woodson, Neal Huntington and everyone else in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Even Quentin Tarantino is catching heat this week. Robert is beside himself, suffering through the poor play...
Pirates minor league report for Aug. 20, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 61-65) was postponed because of rain. The game is to be made up Wednesday. Next: Wednesday at Toledo (Tigers), 6:35 p.m. ••• ALTOONA (Double-A, 63-64) lost 5-4 to Hartford (Rockies). RHP Blake Cederlind (5-1, 1.77 ERA) was tabbed with the defeat and blew a save opportunity after walking...
Starling Marte’s 3-run homer caps Pirates’ late rally over NationalsVideo
Even with two surgically-replaced hips, the quick first step Clint Hurdle took off the postgame podium at PNC Park was perhaps topped only by the jump Starling Marte got on the fly ball into the gap he caught to end the game minutes prior. Hurdle was walking with defiant purpose...
Pirates’ Chris Archer leaves start after 1 inning because of shoulder injury
It’s tough to determine whose season has turned more nightmarish — the Pittsburgh Pirates’ or veteran starter Chris Archer’s. Each took a further turn for the worse Tuesday when Archer left his start after one inning because of injury. The reason the team gave for Archer’s removal was “right shoulder...
