Ben Cherington will speak here at PNC Park around 4 p.m. I’ll include some notes from his availability here and will have a full transcript available afterwards.
• Cherington on how much of a sample size is big enough to assess where the team's at: "We have a big enough sample to tell us a lot about where we are and how we've played, and it's not good enough. We have enough already to say whatever our forecast was in spring training, that's changed based on what's happened. Now, what's also true though is we believe we can and will play a lot better. And that's our focus. Whatever has happened and whatever it means for the preseason forecast is what it is, and we can play better and believe we will, and that's our entire focus. I'm not giving you the full answer you're looking for, but I am giving you the truth, which is how we're thinking about it which is we just have to get better."
• There has been plenty of speculation and talk -- mainly from national reporters -- about whether the Pirates should consider trading PaulSkenes. Cherington on that possibility: "It's not at all part of the conversation."
• Cherington was asked what HenryDavis has to do to get more playing time and he said he trusts Kelly and his staff to make those decisions, but believes Davis just has to continue doing what he's doing. Said he's working really hard toward offensive improvement and has already improved defensively.
• Cherington said JaredJones underwent revision surgery, or internal brace surgery. It was a repair to the elbow rather than a reconstruction. The latter would come with a longer recovery time. The outcome they hope for is that a return in 2026 is in play.
• Cherington said the Pirates "have their eyes on all of them," referring to the young pitchers in Indianapolis. He said he wouldn't speculate when BubbaChandler will be up. Said Chandler is performing well and they "want to see him continue to challenge himself."
"We're hopeful to see him help us win games this year," he continued.
• Cherington said CarmenMlodzinski is going down to Indianapolis to start. He's expected to start tomorrow.
• Cherington said selecting which pitcher to call up is a case by case thing and a number of factors go into the decision making process.
• Cherington said there is a good feeling around the organization's young pitching, which includes tonight's starter, MikeBurrows.
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THE ASYLUM
José Negron
7:09 pm - 05.22.2025North ShoreFinal: Cherington access
Ben Cherington will speak here at PNC Park around 4 p.m. I’ll include some notes from his availability here and will have a full transcript available afterwards.
• Cherington on how much of a sample size is big enough to assess where the team's at: "We have a big enough sample to tell us a lot about where we are and how we've played, and it's not good enough. We have enough already to say whatever our forecast was in spring training, that's changed based on what's happened. Now, what's also true though is we believe we can and will play a lot better. And that's our focus. Whatever has happened and whatever it means for the preseason forecast is what it is, and we can play better and believe we will, and that's our entire focus. I'm not giving you the full answer you're looking for, but I am giving you the truth, which is how we're thinking about it which is we just have to get better."
• There has been plenty of speculation and talk -- mainly from national reporters -- about whether the Pirates should consider trading Paul Skenes. Cherington on that possibility: "It's not at all part of the conversation."
• Cherington was asked what Henry Davis has to do to get more playing time and he said he trusts Kelly and his staff to make those decisions, but believes Davis just has to continue doing what he's doing. Said he's working really hard toward offensive improvement and has already improved defensively.
• Cherington said Jared Jones underwent revision surgery, or internal brace surgery. It was a repair to the elbow rather than a reconstruction. The latter would come with a longer recovery time. The outcome they hope for is that a return in 2026 is in play.
• Cherington said the Pirates "have their eyes on all of them," referring to the young pitchers in Indianapolis. He said he wouldn't speculate when Bubba Chandler will be up. Said Chandler is performing well and they "want to see him continue to challenge himself."
"We're hopeful to see him help us win games this year," he continued.
• Cherington said Carmen Mlodzinski is going down to Indianapolis to start. He's expected to start tomorrow.
• Cherington said selecting which pitcher to call up is a case by case thing and a number of factors go into the decision making process.
• Cherington said there is a good feeling around the organization's young pitching, which includes tonight's starter, Mike Burrows.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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