The Pirates made their next round of cuts tonight as Nick Yorke, Billy Cook and Henry Davis have all been optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis while Joshua Palacios has been designated for assignment. Hunter Stratton has also been added to the 40-man roster.
This latest series of roster moves clears up a few position battles leading into the Pirates' final two Grapefruit League games. With Davis being optioned to Indianapolis, Endy Rodriguez will be Joey Bart's backup heading into the regular season. Rodriguez has performed well at the plate this spring and has hit for a .321 average in 28 at-bats. He's also scored 10 times and has walked nine.
"He's had a really good camp," Derek Shelton said about Rodriguez today. "He's been able to have really aggressive swings. I mean, catching Paul (Skenes) today, I think he did a nice job."
This also means that DJ Stewart and Jared Triolo could platoon at first base, if Stewart does end up making opening day roster. Adam Frazier could also work into the mix as another left-handed at bat. Stewart has only played first base for five innings in his seven years at the major-league level. However, he's consistently set out to improve there this spring and made two plays at first base today, but there's still room to grow.
"He's played really well. I give Donny (bench coach Don Kelly) and (infield coach) Mendy (Lopez) and (minor league coach) Gary Green [credit] because they've spent a lot of time on the backfield. A lot of glovework," Shelton said. "To see him play as well as he did today, I think just shows the hard work when you're here at 9 o'clock or 8:30 in the morning has paid off."
With Ji Hwan Bae still remaining in camp, an outfield spot is still up for grabs. He and Jack Suwinski are competing for that fourth outfielder spot.
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THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
12:48 am - 03.23.2025Bradenton, Fla.Yorke, Davis, Cook optioned
The Pirates made their next round of cuts tonight as Nick Yorke, Billy Cook and Henry Davis have all been optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis while Joshua Palacios has been designated for assignment. Hunter Stratton has also been added to the 40-man roster.
This latest series of roster moves clears up a few position battles leading into the Pirates' final two Grapefruit League games. With Davis being optioned to Indianapolis, Endy Rodriguez will be Joey Bart's backup heading into the regular season. Rodriguez has performed well at the plate this spring and has hit for a .321 average in 28 at-bats. He's also scored 10 times and has walked nine.
"He's had a really good camp," Derek Shelton said about Rodriguez today. "He's been able to have really aggressive swings. I mean, catching Paul (Skenes) today, I think he did a nice job."
This also means that DJ Stewart and Jared Triolo could platoon at first base, if Stewart does end up making opening day roster. Adam Frazier could also work into the mix as another left-handed at bat. Stewart has only played first base for five innings in his seven years at the major-league level. However, he's consistently set out to improve there this spring and made two plays at first base today, but there's still room to grow.
"He's played really well. I give Donny (bench coach Don Kelly) and (infield coach) Mendy (Lopez) and (minor league coach) Gary Green [credit] because they've spent a lot of time on the backfield. A lot of glovework," Shelton said. "To see him play as well as he did today, I think just shows the hard work when you're here at 9 o'clock or 8:30 in the morning has paid off."
With Ji Hwan Bae still remaining in camp, an outfield spot is still up for grabs. He and Jack Suwinski are competing for that fourth outfielder spot.
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