FORT MYERS, Fla. – Thomas Harrington might have gotten the nod for the Pirates’ Spring Coaching finale Monday, however the Pirates’ No. 3 prospect won’t be breaking camp with the staff. As a substitute, Carmen Mlodzinski would be the fifth starter in Pittsburgh’s rotation to begin the season.
This will probably be Mlodzinski’s first flip as a starter on the Main League degree (although he has made 5 begins as an opener earlier than). The 26-year-old right-hander recorded a 3.38 ERA over 50 2/3 innings final season, placing out 46.
A starter for many of his journey by way of the Pirates’ group after being a Aggressive Stability Spherical A choose in 2020, Mlodzinski had used applicable avenues like exit interviews to precise his need to be a starter once more. The Pirates gave him a chance this spring to show he can pitch within the position, and he allowed 4 earned runs over 9 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts in comparison with three walks.
“He was fairly constant all spring,” supervisor Derek Shelton stated. “His velocity held. I feel the best way he took care of himself this winter, we’ve seen the breaking ball proceed to get higher, and he earned that spot.”
Mlodzinski needs to be able the place he could make begins with no piggyback pitcher to bridge innings behind him. In his most up-to-date outing at Pirate Metropolis on March 21, Mlodzinski threw 60 pitches over 4 innings.
Harrington solely made 4 outings this spring, throwing on the backfields principally. Ranked because the No. 79 general prospect within the recreation, in accordance with MLB Pipeline, Harrington struck out seven and allowed six earned runs over his 9 2/3 innings this spring, however he flashed a mid-90s fastball and high quality slider that has made him one of many prime pitching prospects within the system.
Whereas he didn’t make the staff, he made an excellent impression.
“Actually impressed with the spring he’s had, and we expect that he’s very near being a giant league pitcher,” Shelton stated.
“It was actually cool with the ability to stick round and be round these guys within the clubhouse,” Harrington stated. “It offers me a world of confidence going into the season.”
There’s a gap within the rotation as a result of Jared Jones will virtually definitely begin the season on the injured record with proper elbow discomfort. The Pirates are nonetheless awaiting one other opinion on Jones to be taught extra concerning the damage, although there’s hope for some readability within the coming days.
With the fifth starter job set, and Endy Rodríguez being named the backup catcher and part of the staff’s first-base combine early within the season whereas Spencer Horwitz is on the injured record, a lot of the main jobs that have been up for grabs this spring have been determined. The staff doesn’t have a set roster in place but, although, and sure received’t till Wednesday, the day earlier than the Pirates open their season in Miami towards the Marlins.
However as the ultimate bullpen and bench jobs are being set, there’s some readability about how the roster will shake out.
Per sources, left-handed reliever Ryan Borucki is anticipated to be with the staff in Miami, whereas outfielder/first baseman DJ Stewart just isn’t. Stewart has an opt-out on his Minor League deal Monday, whereas Borucki has handed on an opt-out he had on Friday. Shelton stated earlier than Monday’s 5-1 loss to the Twins that no resolution has been made on both participant but.
Borucki was one of many Pirates’ prime bullpen arms in 2023, however accidents restricted him to simply 11 Main League frames in 2024. He’s been sturdy this spring, permitting only one earned run with 14 strikeouts over 9 2/3 innings whereas flashing a brand new splitter. He would should be added again to the 40-man roster after signing a Minor League deal this winter.
Stewart began sturdy this spring and made strides defensively at first base, which was a comparatively new place for the standard outfielder, however he noticed his OPS dip to .798 whereas placing out 16 instances in 46 plate appearances.
