While the Pirates have quite a few experienced major-league arms vying for spots in their opening day bullpen, Eddy Yean has his sights set on inserting his name into the conversation as well. 

Yean, 23, is a non-roster invitee with aspirations of making the big-league roster out of spring training. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound right-hander put up stellar numbers (3.36 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 75 innings) through 48 appearances with Class AA Altoona and Class AAA Indianapolis a year ago and has so far enjoyed this year's camp experience. 

“Everything has gone the way that I’ve planned it," Yean said Wednesday morning via interpreter and major-league coach Stephen Morales. "One thing that has stood out this year is the connection with my teammates, the support of my teammates. They’re not letting me out there in the middle of nowhere. They’ve been really supportive and are always trying to help me. I like that about the team. I feel like I’m connected to the whole clubhouse.” 

I asked Yean if there was anything in particular he was working on this spring and while he didn't go into specifics in terms of his arsenal, he said his main focus is on going after hitters. 

“Attack them," Yean said. "And just making sure I work every side of the strike zone, up, down and all that."

After making one appearance during spring training in 2023, Yean has looked impressive through three in the early portion of this year's schedule. He's thrown three scoreless innings, surrendering a hit with two walks and two strikeouts. He only needed three pitches to get three outs and pick up a save against the Orioles on Saturday. 

Yean's consistent ability to throw strikes has stood out to Derek Shelton, who said he began to take notice of his abilities two years ago when he made his lone spring appearance against the Braves. On that day, Shelton said, "Oh, there's something here." 

"We've kept him in a situation where he's pitched at the back end of games, just picking up innings as guys that come over as NRI's (have) done," Shelton said. "But he throws strikes. I mean, there's 97 in there, and that's a big, imposing figure. Just continues to get better and has done a nice job for us in the minor leagues." 

Yean, who was acquired by the Pirates alongside Wil Crowe in the Dec. 2020 trade that sent Josh Bell to the Nationals, said he's trying to give his one-hundred-percent effort to put himself in a good spot to be considered for a role in the opening day bullpen. Still, whether he makes the club out of spring training or not, he's certainly making his presence known. 

“I feel really good and excited," Yean said. "I’ve been working so hard to be known and finally I’ve got the chance. I’m grateful to have the chance to show myself and show what I can do.”