Three observations: Clevinger, Barco show promise in relief
Three observations from the Pirates' 5-2 loss to the Orioles here tonight at Ed Smith Stadium:
• Mike Clevinger allowed a two-run homer, but he otherwise looked solid through his two innings in relief, a role I think he's most suited for if he indeed makes the team. He struck out four and, most notably, was averaging around 96 mph with his fastball. He even hit 97 at one point. A good sign for a guy who is feeling healthy after years plagued by injuries.
• I see HunterBarco having a rather bright future as a left-handed starting option for the Pirates. Maybe not right away to start the regular season here in a week, but later down the road. If not, he could certainly fill a bulk relief role. Barco said after his two scoreless innings in relief tonight that he had to get used to coming out of the bullpen again after working up as a starter this spring. That adjustment revolves around routine: "All offseason, all spring training, you stretch, you play catch, you get on the mound, you go. Relieving is a little bit different. You play catch a little bit beforehand, and then you just kind of have to find the right times to stretch and stay loose without overdoing it." Barco seems capable of producing in either role. And, more importantly, he's willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.
• CamSanders and GregorySoto covered the first two innings and struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark. Sanders battled through some lengthier at-bats in the first and did strike out two batters, but SamuelBasallo took him deep on a fastball at the top of the zone. Sanders had chances to put him away and couldn't do it. Soto's struggles stemmed from his sinker usage. That's his bread-and-butter pitch, and tonight he threw it for two balls, two outs and two hits. The two-run shot from JhonkensyNoel was the big dagger. Soto is going to be an important high-leverage arm. He's now given up homers in back-to-back appearances, going back to the World Baseball Classic. The Pirates will need better showings moving forward.
THE ASYLUM
Three observations: Clevinger, Barco show promise in relief
Three observations from the Pirates' 5-2 loss to the Orioles here tonight at Ed Smith Stadium:
• Mike Clevinger allowed a two-run homer, but he otherwise looked solid through his two innings in relief, a role I think he's most suited for if he indeed makes the team. He struck out four and, most notably, was averaging around 96 mph with his fastball. He even hit 97 at one point. A good sign for a guy who is feeling healthy after years plagued by injuries.
• I see Hunter Barco having a rather bright future as a left-handed starting option for the Pirates. Maybe not right away to start the regular season here in a week, but later down the road. If not, he could certainly fill a bulk relief role. Barco said after his two scoreless innings in relief tonight that he had to get used to coming out of the bullpen again after working up as a starter this spring. That adjustment revolves around routine: "All offseason, all spring training, you stretch, you play catch, you get on the mound, you go. Relieving is a little bit different. You play catch a little bit beforehand, and then you just kind of have to find the right times to stretch and stay loose without overdoing it." Barco seems capable of producing in either role. And, more importantly, he's willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.
• Cam Sanders and Gregory Soto covered the first two innings and struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark. Sanders battled through some lengthier at-bats in the first and did strike out two batters, but Samuel Basallo took him deep on a fastball at the top of the zone. Sanders had chances to put him away and couldn't do it. Soto's struggles stemmed from his sinker usage. That's his bread-and-butter pitch, and tonight he threw it for two balls, two outs and two hits. The two-run shot from Jhonkensy Noel was the big dagger. Soto is going to be an important high-leverage arm. He's now given up homers in back-to-back appearances, going back to the World Baseball Classic. The Pirates will need better showings moving forward.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!