I'll provide updates from Ben Cherington's team-produced radio show with Joe Block right here this afternoon.
• Assistant general manager Steve Sanders is filling in for Cherington today.
• Sanders starts the show by highlighting Mike Burrows' start from yesterday. He said he liked the way Burrows attacked with his changeup and moved through the Cubs' lineup.
• Sanders said they are trying to get Braxton Ashcraft and Carmen Mlodzinski extended major-league experience out of the bullpen this year. They haven't closed any doors on either of them starting in the future. He said they wanted them to help the Pirates win games this year.
• He said that Mlodzinski was in a position to come back up to the major-league level to help the Pirates win games "in any way he can."
• On the Major League Baseball Draft, Sanders said the front office is running "full steam" preparing for that and the upcoming scouting combine in Arizona. He added assistant general manager Kevan Graves and director of amateur scouting Justin Horowitz are working together to get everything organized.
• Sanders said conversations are "always taking place" as the trade deadline approaches. He said they'll use the next month to evaluate their players and find the best ways to "improve the club."
• Sanders said it's "hard to describe" how rapidly Konnor Griffin has improved during his time with the Pirates: "We're really, really excited about him and think he's just scratching the surface."
• On Termarr Johnson: Sanders said they are "encouraged" about what they've seen from Johnson at Class AA Altoona and said he's hitting the ball as hard as he has as a pro.
• Sanders also spoke about right-handed pitcher Antwone Kelly, who plays for Class High-A Greensboro. He said they are excited about the improvements he's made and how he has missed bats with a fastball that can reach triple digits. He's thrown 51 1/3 innings, producing a 0.95 WHIP and 3.33 ERA.
• Sanders said they think they have "some opportunities," with Michael Darrell-Hicks, who they claimed off waivers this week: "He's been up to 97, recently, with a feel to spin the ball." He went 1-0 with a 9.39 ERA in six relief appearances with the Angels this season and produced an 8.87 ERA in 17 appearances with Class AAA Salt Lake.
• Sanders said Joey Bart is "progressing well" after catching nine innings for Class AAA Indianapolis yesterday. He said he's scheduled to catch again today and they'll evaluate him after that to "see where he's at. But I believe he's getting close."
• Sanders said they extended Dauri Moreta's rehab assignment, which they can do if "it's in the player's best interest." They are continuing to monitor him and think he's "getting close" to returning.
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THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
5:19 pm - 06.15.2025CHICAGOFinal: Cherington's radio show
I'll provide updates from Ben Cherington's team-produced radio show with Joe Block right here this afternoon.
• Assistant general manager Steve Sanders is filling in for Cherington today.
• Sanders starts the show by highlighting Mike Burrows' start from yesterday. He said he liked the way Burrows attacked with his changeup and moved through the Cubs' lineup.
• Sanders said they are trying to get Braxton Ashcraft and Carmen Mlodzinski extended major-league experience out of the bullpen this year. They haven't closed any doors on either of them starting in the future. He said they wanted them to help the Pirates win games this year.
• He said that Mlodzinski was in a position to come back up to the major-league level to help the Pirates win games "in any way he can."
• On the Major League Baseball Draft, Sanders said the front office is running "full steam" preparing for that and the upcoming scouting combine in Arizona. He added assistant general manager Kevan Graves and director of amateur scouting Justin Horowitz are working together to get everything organized.
• Sanders said conversations are "always taking place" as the trade deadline approaches. He said they'll use the next month to evaluate their players and find the best ways to "improve the club."
• Sanders said it's "hard to describe" how rapidly Konnor Griffin has improved during his time with the Pirates: "We're really, really excited about him and think he's just scratching the surface."
• On Termarr Johnson: Sanders said they are "encouraged" about what they've seen from Johnson at Class AA Altoona and said he's hitting the ball as hard as he has as a pro.
• Sanders also spoke about right-handed pitcher Antwone Kelly, who plays for Class High-A Greensboro. He said they are excited about the improvements he's made and how he has missed bats with a fastball that can reach triple digits. He's thrown 51 1/3 innings, producing a 0.95 WHIP and 3.33 ERA.
• Sanders said they think they have "some opportunities," with Michael Darrell-Hicks, who they claimed off waivers this week: "He's been up to 97, recently, with a feel to spin the ball." He went 1-0 with a 9.39 ERA in six relief appearances with the Angels this season and produced an 8.87 ERA in 17 appearances with Class AAA Salt Lake.
• Sanders said Joey Bart is "progressing well" after catching nine innings for Class AAA Indianapolis yesterday. He said he's scheduled to catch again today and they'll evaluate him after that to "see where he's at. But I believe he's getting close."
• Sanders said they extended Dauri Moreta's rehab assignment, which they can do if "it's in the player's best interest." They are continuing to monitor him and think he's "getting close" to returning.
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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