Kevin Newman to lead off Pirates’ Grapefruit season; Todd Frazier in lineup vs. Orioles

Kevin Newman is both the answer to the questions of who will be the Pittsburgh Pirates first 2021 starting shortstop and to who will take their first at-bat of the Grapefruit League season.

Newman is in the leadoff spot for Sunday’s 1:05 p.m. game against the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, Fla. Shortstop is one of the few true position battles on the team, with Newman, Cole Tucker and Erik Gonzalez all legitimate candidates to be the starter at short when the regular season begins. And then there are a host of other younger players who could soon be the future of the position.

Gonzalez is starting Sunday’s game at second base because Adam Fraizer has a minor groin injury.

There will be baseball today!@KuhlWhhip_11 on the hill and your Bucs are on @937theFan. pic.twitter.com/Z4o5wx28Hy

— Pirates (@Pirates) February 28, 2021

Right-hander Chad Kuhl will start Sunday’s Grapefruit League opener, with Wil Crowe, Sam Howard, Clay Holmes, Nick Mears, Carson Fulmer, James Marvel and Shea Spitzbarth also scheduled to pitch.

Veteran slugger Todd Frazier — signed last week — will serve as designated hitter for his game debut in a Pirates uniform. Another new veteran acquisition, Tony Wolters, will start at catcher in lieu of No. 1 catcher Jacob Stallings.

Stallings and Frazier and whoever wins the center field job appear to be the only assured projected Opening Day starters who are not starting the spring opener. Jared Oliva is batting ninth and playing center field Sunday.

The game is to be broadcast on KDKA-FM and the Pirates radio network,

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