Bucs Q&A: After striking out Pirates, lefty Genesis Cabrera wants to help build up bullpen

What’s your first impression of the Pittsburgh Pirates?

First of all, just thanks for the opportunity. I’m just here to do my best and help the team win. That’s the main thing.

When you are at your best, what does that look like?

Just taking care of myself and putting myself in a good spot and doing my best. Coming out of the bullpen, just to try and help the team in many ways.

You have bounced around this season, playing for the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. What has that been like?

It’s the first time that I’ve gone through this, but it doesn’t change anything. I’m just going to continue to work, keep my mind in a good place and just come here and do my best, like I said.

What do you need to do to get back to being a quality pitcher like you have been for most of your career?

Just command the strike zone, attack hitters and just do all that, like I’ve always done before.

When you faced the Pirates while with the Mets, you had four strikeouts in a 4-0 win May 14. Did anyone give you grief when you came into the clubhouse?

Yeah, they already gave me something to think about. Isiah Kiner-Falefa already got on me that I struck him out with the fastball. Already happened.

How ironic is it that your Pirates debut comes against the Mets?

It’s kind of funny, yeah, but it doesn’t matter anymore. Just a matter of, I’m on this side right now. I’m going to try to do my work and do good for our team.

Anyone in particular that you’re excited to be teammates with on the Pirates?

Not really a particular person, but I know everybody because I’ve pitched or played against them at some point. My mindset is just to come here, like I said earlier, help the team and put them in a good spot.

Pitch tracking has your changeup as a splitter now. Is that a change you made this year and how does that pitch help your arsenal?

I feel very good with that pitch. That was a change I made this offseason, and it has been working fine and hopefully it continues to do that. I think that it’s going to help me out.

Are there any pitches the Pirates want you to emphasize?

No, not really. Just a matter of the grips and executing my pitches. That has been the conversation and that’s all I have to do.