Three observations from the Pirates' 5-3 win over the Yankees here today at George M. Steinbrenner Field: 

• Jhostynxon Garcia challenged a strike call in the third inning and actually won on a ball down and out of the zone. Just barely, but encouraging to see him confident enough in his knowledge of the zone. And, as I've mentioned before, good to see him avoid chasing. Two pitches later, he reaped the benefits of his patience by singling into right field. 

• The first 10 pitches that left the right hand of José Urquidy tonight resulted in strikes. One of those happened to result in a home run off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton, but Urquidy was otherwise content with the way he attacked hitters and relied on his defense to make plays behind him. He threw 14 of 18 pitches for strikes through two innings and ended up throwing 26 of 36 pitches for strikes before throwing more in the bullpen upon his exit. He pitched into the fourth inning and allowed three runs on four hits, including a homer to Paul DeJong and an RBI double to Cody Bellinger, over 3 2/3 innings. He wasn't spectacular, but he did keep them within reach. 

• Of the players either optioned or re-assigned to minor-league camp today, Brandan Bidois is probably the only real surprise. It was his first major-league camp and I thought he had a chance of earning a bullpen spot. He didn't allow a hit, walked one and struck out three in 2 2/3 scoreless innings this spring. Wouldn't at all be surprised if he's making his big-league debut at some point this season.