Pirates Have One Roster Decision Left Before Opening Day
A trio of pitchers vies for the final two Pittsburgh Pirates' bullpen spots.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have one decision to make to finalize their opening-day roster. The Pirates are down to 27 players in their spring training camp, one over the opening-day limit. To get down to 26 by Thursday when they open the season against the Mets, Pittsburgh must drop one of three pitchers – rookie left-hander Hunter Barco or veteran right-handers Mike Clevinger or Jose Urquidy.
The two who survive the last cut will work as long relievers. Working against Clevinger is that he is in camp on a minor-league contract. The Pirates would need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster if he makes the team.
Clevinger has allowed eight runs in 14 1/3 innings in Grapefruit League play for a 5. 02 ERA. He has 15 strikeouts but also 10 walks.
Barco has been impressive with a 2. 89 ERA. He has struck out 12 in 9 1/3 innings while giving up three earned runs and walking six.