Three observations from the Pirates' 5-2 win over the Astros here today at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches: 

• With every spring start, Braxton Ashcraft pitches with the intention of executing pitches and building off the outing prior. He did both of those things in this one here today, attacking the zone with all of his pitches over three scoreless innings in his second start of the spring. He turned to all of his usual weapons and even mixed in five changeups, a pitch he turned to just 36 times last season. Ashcraft is working to develop that pitch by using it in different situations and improve his execution with it. He only threw one for a strike in this one, but he says that he's never really thrown one consistently in his career. He threw some against righties today and said it wasn't the most comfortable thing for him. But that's what spring training is for. It's a good time to work on these things. 

• I'm not too concerned about Bubba Chandler, despite three more walks, three more hits allowed and two runs surrendered here today. Sure it's not ideal to see him walking guys left and right after seemingly making strides at the big-league level late last year, but this is a perfect time for him to work through things that have plagued him in the past. Grind through some jams, battle some adversity and come out on top of it once the games start to matter again. 

• Two more good swings that generated in hits today for Marcell Ozuna. He's looking like he'll provide solid value both on the field and in the clubhouse. It's very clear he's invested in the success of guys around him, including Oneil Cruz. Ozuna said he's making efforts to provide Cruz with guidance and "he's taking it right now." Ozuna added: "I feel like the work that we do in the early morning every time, he gets into the game and then I seen it more. I've seen him [look] better than usual."