43 days until Pittsburgh Pirates first Spring Training workout

In 43 days, pitchers and catchers for the Pittsburgh Pirates will partake in their first team workout of Spring Training 2018

We are now just 43 days away from the start of Spring Training for the Pittsburgh Pirates! On February 14, the pitchers and catchers of the Pittsburgh Pirates will have their first team workout at Pirate City in Bradenton.

Number 43 for the Pittsburgh Pirates is left-handed pitcher Steven Brault. The 25-year-old Brault has worn number 43 ever since making his Major League debut for the Pirates in the summer of 2016.

Last season Steven Brault dominated the Triple-A level. In 21 games (20 starts) for the Indianapolis Indians he averaged 3.29 BB/9, 8.15 K/9, and he allowed just five home runs. Brault posted a 1.94 ERA and a 3.29 FIP for the Indians. These efforts earned him the honor of being named International League Pitcher of the Year.

In 11 games at the Major League level, Brault made four starts and pitched 34 2/3 innings during the 2017 season. Brault allowed 41 hits, three home runs, and he plunked two hitters at the Major League level. He continued to struggle with control averaging 3.63 BB/9 and his strikeout rate dropped to 5.97 K/9. He posted a 4.67 ERA and a 4.34 FIP for the Bucs.

In 68 career Major League innings, Steven Brault has averaged 4.10 BB/9 and 6.88 K/9 while allowing eight home runs. He owns a 4.76 ERA, a 4.70 FIP, and a 0.3 fWAR in his career which consists of 19 games with 11 being starts.

Next: The Pirate offseason needs a direction

Moving forward, it appears that Steven Brault will be moved to the Pirate bullpen. Neal Huntington hinted at that during the Winter Meetings, and a move to the bullpen makes sense for Brault. Not only do the Pirates have a need for a left-handed relief pitcher that Brault could fix, he is also best suited for the bullpen.

Only 43 more days until the Pittsburgh Pirates start Spring Training and baseball is upon us, yay!