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Spring Coaching is nearly right here. The Pirates can be kicking off one other camp in Bradenton, Fla. subsequent week, and so they’re simply two weeks away from their first Grapefruit League recreation. After one other offseason of ready, a brand new yr is about to start.
Earlier than the gamers’ planes land in Florida and the grounds crew begins making ready the sphere, let’s check out what you’ll want to know for Spring Coaching.
When are the primary exercises?Pitchers and catchers could have their first exercise on Feb. 12, and the primary full squad exercise can be Feb. 17.
The place is the group’s facility?The Pirates have two Spring Coaching properties in Bradenton, Fla. They begin at Pirate Metropolis for exercises earlier than shifting to LECOM Park in downtown Bradenton as soon as the Grapefruit League schedule begins. As soon as the Main League camp strikes to LECOM Park, Minor League camp totally takes over Pirate Metropolis.
Can followers attend exercises?Followers are welcome to attend exercises at Pirate Metropolis, each for Main League and Minor League camp.
Who’re some new faces followers ought to know?Two of the group’s 5 free agent signings this winter are acquainted faces: Andrew McCutchen and Adam Frazier. Caleb Ferguson and Tim Mayza have been introduced in so as to add some lefties to the roster, and Tommy Pham is ready to be one of many group’s main outfielders.
Maybe probably the most notable acquisition is Spencer Horwitz, who the Pirates picked up in a commerce with the Guardians and is now set to be their first baseman.
Who’re a few of the prime prospects invited to Main League camp?All 4 of the Pirates’ representatives on MLB Pipeline’s High 100 prospects record can be in Main League camp: Proper-handed pitchers Bubba Chandler (No. 15) and Thomas Harrington (No. 80), and infielders Konnor Griffin (No. 43) and Termarr Johnson (No. 83). Proper-hander Braxton Ashcraft, infielders Nick Yorke and Tsung-Che Cheng and outfielder Billy Cook dinner are all on the 40 man roster and can be invited to Main League camp. Notable non-roster invitees embrace left-handers Hunter Barco and Anthony Solometo, infielder Jack Brannigan and catcher Omar Alfonzo, all of whom rank within the group’s High 30 prospects record.
When is the group’s first Grapefruit League recreation?The Pirates’ first Grapefruit League recreation can be Feb. 22 in opposition to the Orioles in Sarasota, Fla., whereas their dwelling opener at LECOM Park would be the subsequent day in opposition to the Twins. Each first pitches can be at 1:05 p.m.
What are just a few different notable spring video games?The Pirates could have two night time dwelling video games this yr: March 10 in opposition to the Orioles and March 14 in opposition to the Tigers. First pitch is ready for six:05 p.m. for the nightcaps. Their last dwelling recreation at LECOM Park can be March 22 in opposition to the Orioles.
What’s Spring Breakout and when is the sport?Spring Breakout is a showcase of every group’s prime prospects as a part of a four-day occasion. Final yr, Paul Skenes, Chandler and Johnson had been the headliners for the Pirates, and they need to once more have a lot of their prime prospects of their recreation.
The Pirates can be on the highway for this yr’s Spring Breakout, touring to Clearwater, Fla. to tackle the Phillies on March 14. First pitch can be at 1:05 p.m.
Will Pirate video games be televised?SportsNet Pittsburgh will televise 12 dwelling Spring Coaching video games from Bradenton. They’re additionally scheduled to hold seven extra opponent telecasts from the highway group’s ballpark.
When is the Pirates’ final recreation in Florida?The Pirates will conclude their Grapefruit League schedule on March 24 on the highway in opposition to the Twins in Fort Myers, Fla. They don’t have any deliberate scrimmages between then and the beginning of the common season.
What are the small print for Opening Day?The Pirates will begin the season in Miami for the second yr in a row. They’ll tackle the Marlins at loanDepot park on March 27, with the primary pitch coming at 4:10 p.m.
