Pittsburgh Pirates Announce Opening Day Roster

The Opening Day roster for the Pittsburgh Pirates is now known

By noon today, the Pittsburgh Pirates had to set their 25-man roster for Opening Day. And on Sunday morning, they did just that.

Prior to Sunday, a large portion of the roster was known. The starting rotation, the bullpen, the team’s starting eight, and three of the five players on the bench were all known. However, what was not known, was who would get the final two bench spots.

The final two bench players are now known. In an unsurprising move, utility men Alen Hanson and Philip Gosselin have both made the 25-man roster. This means that first baseman/outfielder Jose Osuna will star the year at Triple-A.

Alen Hanson is out of options when you combine this with his strong spring at the plate and he was close to a lock to make the team. His ability to play third base, shortstop, second base, and the corner outfield spots helped as well.

Like Hanson, Phil Gosselin can paly multiple positions. This is something that Clint Hurdle has always valued in bench players. Do not be surprised if Gosselin is this year’s late-inning defensive replacement at first base. Especially on days when David Freese starts at third base, which, with Jung Ho Kang away from the team, will be almost every day.

Additionally, left fielder Gregory Polanco and backup catcher Chris Stewart will start the season on the active roster. Polanco (shoulder) and Stewart (hamstring) had been battling injury issues the final week of camp raising some minor concerns.

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You can see the Pittsburgh Pirates’ full Opening Day 25-man roster below.

Tomorrow, the Pittsburgh Pirates play a real baseball game that starts. Buckle up, the 6+ month roller coaster that is baseball season is here. Yay!