Adam Frazier returned to the Pirates' lineup Friday afternoon for his first game action since Feb. 26 and said he felt good after missing time due to what appeared to be a minor back spasm. He started at second base and had two at-bats, driving in a run with a fourth-inning single off Tyler Phillips in a 3-2 win over the Phillies at LECOM Park.

Derek Shelton said Wednesday that simple precautions were being taken in keeping Frazier out of the lineup for what ended up being eight games. 

"Just something to stay on top of maintenance-wise," Frazier said. "I was fine until it locked up." 

Despite missing out on valuable in-game reps over the last week and a half, Frazier evidently feels good about where he is physically at this point in the spring slate. He valued the opportunity to get his legs going again and be able to generate a positive result at the plate on Friday. 

"I think the hit today felt good," Frazier said. "Did some sim game stuff yesterday that went well. I feel like I'm in a good spot." 

By the end of the spring, Frazier's main goal is to simply ensure he's in game shape and ready to go for the start of the regular season. Progressing in the right direction is key. 

"We were probably a little more conservative just because it's early in the spring, but wanted to make sure he was back. He actually played in a minor-league game yesterday and swung the bat and ran the bases, but it's good to get him back out there," Derek Shelton said. "We've got to make sure he's ready for March 27. Just make sure he gets reps, whether they're here or getting more at-bats in minor-league games, but just getting him ready for the season."

A few other notes: 

• Ji Hwan Bae is now 8 for 13 after a 2-for-2 showing this afternoon. His two hits were of the infield and bloop variety and spring results shouldn't be overhyped, but an encouraging sign to see him have quality at-bats and keep the strikeout totals -- just two this spring -- at a minimum.

• Eddy Yean continues to have an under-the-radar type of spring. He closed out this game with two scoreless innings in which he allowed three hits and struck out two. Yean threw 18 of 24 pitches, as he continues to display an ability to attack the strike zone. 

"He throws strikes, man. He goes right after you. Even the balls he gave up in the ninth, I mean, ground balls. He throws strikes, he goes right after you," Shelton said. "The stuff continues to tick up. It's really an interesting arm."

• Dennis Santana is coming off a strong 2024 season with the Pirates and is out to just as strong of a start to his spring slate. He's made four appearances and has yet to give up a hit over four scoreless innings. He's posted two strikeouts in that span. He threw one inning in this one, striking out one and throwing 10 of 14 pitches for strikes.