Major League made a pair of announcements Friday, releasing the new spring training schedules that were teased earlier this week and confirming that all 120 minor league teams that were extended an affiliate invitation have accepted.
In the reworked spring training schedule, the Pirates will play 29 games instead of 33, 15 of which will be at home. Their first spring training game will now be Feb. 28 against the Orioles in Sarasota, Fla., and their home opener will be Mar. 2 against the Tigers.
The changes were made so teams would have to travel less this spring. The Pirates’ spring training facilities are located in Bradenton, Fla., which is in the center of the western-half of Florida spring training homes. As a result, they will be playing teams from both the northern and southern pod.
The full schedule can be found here.
As part of the health and safety protocols, managers will be given the option to shorten games rather than play a guaranteed nine innings.
The Pirates will be welcoming fans into LECOM Park this spring at about 25% capacity. Season ticket holders will be given a chance to take part in a presale on Feb. 17. Season ticket holders will automatically receive a credit on their account for the two games that have been removed from the original schedule, and the Pirates will be offering refunds or the opportunity to roll tickets over into the revised schedule to those who already purchased tickets.
In the minors, the Indianapolis Indians, Altoona Curve, Greensboro Grasshoppers and Bradenton Marauders all accepted their invitations to remain Pirates affiliates.
The league also announced the new divisions these teams will play in. The Indians will be part of the Midwest division in the AAA East league, the Curve are a part of the Southwest Division of AA Northeast, the Grasshoppers are in the South Division of High-A East and the Marauders are in the West Division of Low-A Southeast.
The league also noted the changes in the minors will also bring pay raises to players, ranging from 38-72%, reduced in-season travel and better facilities for players and coaches.