Ferguson interested in starting, wants to be in the 'big leagues'
After Carmen Mlodzinski expressed his desire to be a starter yesterday following his start against the Orioles, Caleb Ferguson said being one has always been 'appealing' to him, but he ultimately just wants to play in the big leagues.
"I've always wanted to be a starter, but I've also always wanted to be in the big leagues," Ferguson said. "I wanted to do whatever the team needs, and to pitch in the big leagues."
Ben Cherington said today that the Pirates are planning to stretch out both Ferguson and Mlodzinski to build up more pitching depth but they'll ultimately see how it plays out.
Ferguson threw two innings against the Twins today and didn't allow a hit, but walked one and struck out another in his first appearance with the Pirates since signing a one-year, $3 million contract this offseason.
The 28-year-old southpaw has experience as a starter in the minor leagues as 53 of his 87 appearances were starts. He also started in his first three appearances as a major-leaguer with the Dodgers.
However, Ferguson told me today that Clayton Kershaw was returning from an injury at the time and didn't want to make a rehab stint, so Ferguson was moved to the bullpen to back Kershaw up and he never left. He didn't realize what was happening at the time, but he also didn't really have any concerns either.
THE ASYLUM
Ferguson interested in starting, wants to be in the 'big leagues'
After Carmen Mlodzinski expressed his desire to be a starter yesterday following his start against the Orioles, Caleb Ferguson said being one has always been 'appealing' to him, but he ultimately just wants to play in the big leagues.
"I've always wanted to be a starter, but I've also always wanted to be in the big leagues," Ferguson said. "I wanted to do whatever the team needs, and to pitch in the big leagues."
Ben Cherington said today that the Pirates are planning to stretch out both Ferguson and Mlodzinski to build up more pitching depth but they'll ultimately see how it plays out.
Ferguson threw two innings against the Twins today and didn't allow a hit, but walked one and struck out another in his first appearance with the Pirates since signing a one-year, $3 million contract this offseason.
The 28-year-old southpaw has experience as a starter in the minor leagues as 53 of his 87 appearances were starts. He also started in his first three appearances as a major-leaguer with the Dodgers.
However, Ferguson told me today that Clayton Kershaw was returning from an injury at the time and didn't want to make a rehab stint, so Ferguson was moved to the bullpen to back Kershaw up and he never left. He didn't realize what was happening at the time, but he also didn't really have any concerns either.
"I was 21 and in the big leagues," Ferguson said.
Here's his full media availability from today:
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