BRADENTON, Fla. -- Rookie Davis says he is healthy and ready to compete for the open spot in the Pirates’ rotation.
Davis reported to the Pirates’ spring training camp Thursday. He is a non-roster invitee after signing a minor-league contract earlier in the week.
The 25-year-old right-hander made his major-league debut with the Reds in 2017, then underwent hip surgery following the season. He was limited to nine minor-league games last season after recovering from the operation.
It is now a four-man competition for the fifth starter’s job as Davis joins Steven Brault, Nick Kingham and Jordan Lyles. Davis beat longer odds two years ago in the Reds’ camp when he wound up as the No. 3 starter despite not being in the mix when spring training began.
And, of course, there is a story behind how William Theron Davis came to be known as “Rookie.”
When Davis was born in Sneads Ferry, N.C., his father wanted to give him a baseball nickname. Hence, Rookie.
“He grew up playing the game, loving it,” Davis said. “He had dreams of playing professional baseball, but it just didn’t pan out because of injuries, and some family things happened. He wanted to give me a recognizable name and he gave me a recognizable name.”
Davis maintains rookie status despite pitching in seven games for the Reds. So, Rookie has a chance to be the National League Rookie of the Year this season.
“I’ve been seeing that on Twitter,” Davis said with a laugh “I’m going to have a long talk with my dad one day.
“When I’m 40, I don’t know how it’s going to sound. It’s started to morph into Rook ... but even Rook, there’s only so much I can do there.”
Davis said only his mother calls him by his given name, though his girlfriend did once.
“When my mom is mad, she’ll use my first and last name,” Davis said with a smile.
• It can be difficult to evaluate players off spring training workouts, but Jung Ho Kang has looked impressive so far despite missing most of the last two seasons because of work visa issues stemming from a third DUI arrest and wrist surgery.
Kang has slimmed down and no longer resembles the pudgy third baseman who became the first native South Korean position player to make the jump from the Korea Baseball Organization to the major leagues in 2015.
He looks more athletic in defensive and baserunning drills. He also still seems to have the power that allowed him to hit a combined 36 home runs in his first two major-league seasons.
• There was another country music star at camp Thursday beside Garth Brooks. Chris Hennessee watched the workout from behind the batting cage.
• The final workout at Pirate City will be held tomorrow morning as the major-league camp shifts five miles away to LECOM Park for the start of the exhibition season.
The Pirates open Grapefruit League play Saturday against the Phillies in Clearwater. The home opener is Sunday against the Marlins.
• The Pirates have yet to announce who will pitch the early exhibition games. Clint Hurdle said he will let the media know tomorrow.
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