Five Triple-A Players That Can Help The Pittsburgh Pirates In 2017

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Mar 2, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Steven Brault (43) throws a practice pitch before the first inning of a MLB spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Left-handed pitcher Steven Brault

Steven Brault is a name that fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates have gotten to know well in recent years. Following the 2014 season, the Pirates acquired Brault, along with Stephen Tarpley, from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Travis Snider. While Tarpley is now property of the New York Yankees, via the Ivan Nova trade, Brault has worked his way into being the Pirates’ sixth starting pitcher.

In 2016, Brault made his Major League debut. He pitched 33 1/3 innings for the Pirates in 2016. These 33 1/3 innings came in eight games, seven of which were starts. He posted a 5.07 FIP, 4.77 xFIP, and averaged 7.83 K/9.

He entered Spring Training with a chance to win a job in the Pirates’ starting rotation. He found himself in a competition with Drew Hutchison, Trevor Williams, and Tyler Glasnow for this spot. Ultimately, it went to Glasnow.

At some point this season, the Pirates will have to dip into Triple-A for starting pitching help. Odds are, Steven Brault is the first starting pitcher from Triple-A that they would turn to.

It is also possible that Brault could help the Pirates as a reliever this season. Ultimately, his stuff might be best suited for a relief role in the Major Leagues. After all, Trevor Williams, who like Brault lost out on being in the rotation, is now in the Pirate bullpen.

It would be a surprise if Steven Brault does not see time in Pittsburgh at some point during the 2017 season.

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