That was quite an introduction for Max Kranick.

Nobody was expecting perfection, but that’s what the Pirates got in St. Louis on Sunday. Such is the business of baseball, but Kranick was unceremoniously optioned back to Class AAA Indianapolis in favor of some immediate help to cover innings in Colorado and the remaining busy stretch headed into the break. He’ll be back, but there’s plenty more below the surface.

As far as debuts go, the Pirates have had a couple this season, though none as exciting or incredible as Kranick’s. 

Luis Oviedo seems to be the Rule 5 selection that will stick through the season. Although it hasn’t been easy. 

Rodolfo Castro played in the majors before his first career game in Class AA. That also lasted a day. Troy Stokes Jr. will have a cool story to tell about making a sliding catch on a Kris Bryant liner in his big-league debut at Wrigley Field. But he didn’t have much else to show for his time in the majors and has since been traded back to Milwaukee.

Hunter Owen filled in when the Pirates needed him in early May before taking a pitch off the hand and being limited to four at-bats before getting designated for assignment.

Then there were also the team debuts for some rookies like Miguel Yajure, Wil Crowe and Ka’ai Tom that played their first big-league games elsewhere.

So, who’s next?

There’s not much left in Indianapolis that the majors haven't already seen. So, maybe righty reliever Shea Spitzbarth, who was Alex’s soft prediction for next man up and a native Staten Islander, which is exciting to the person with the by line here. Spitzbarth was a Rule 5 second-rounder from the Dodgers organization that’s sporting a 0.93 ERA in 17 innings at Class AAA.

Beyond that, some bigger names remain. Oneil Cruz and Roansy Contreras don’t seem to have much more to prove in Altoona. And if they’re ready for that jump, maybe they can also prove to be ready for another leap a few weeks later. 

Maybe that can even be someone on the Kranick path. Someone outside the Pirates’ top 10 that’s earned a fast track to the big leagues.

There will be plenty more exciting debuts if all goes according to plan and the rebuild takes shape. 

YOUR TURN: Who are you excited to see debut for the Pirates next?

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