Pittsburgh Pirates vs Baltimore Orioles: Grapefruit League Game Seven

On Thursday afternoon the Pittsburgh Pirates will battle the Baltimore Orioles in the team’s seventh Grapefruit League game of the spring

At 1:05 PM EST on Thursday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Pirates will travel to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. In Sarasota, the Pirates will battle a common Grapefruit League opponent for the first time this spring. This opponent is the Baltimore Orioles.

In Thursday’s game, the Pirates will be looking for their first win of Grapefruit League action. Following a rain shortened loss against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon, the Pirates now own a 0-5-1 record this spring.

In Thursday’s action, non-roster invitee bullpen candidate Hector Noesi will make the start for the Pirates. Barring a miraculously good spring, Noesi is likely ticked for the bullpen at Triple-A Indianapolis to start the season.

Following Noesi, fifth starter candidate Steven Brault will follow. If Brault does not earn the final rotation spot, as he competes with Derek Holland and Chad Kuhl for the spot, he will likely crack the Opening Day bullpen. While he has a minor league option remaining, it is difficult to imagine Brault starting the 2020 season at Triple-A.

After Brault, closer Keone Kela is scheduled to take the mound. Kela looked untouchable in his first spring outing, and looks primed for a big 2020 season.

In addition to Kela, Geoff Hartlieb, Chris Stratton, Yacksel Rios, and Cody Ponce are scheduled to pitch,

Due to being out of options, as well as his strong performance as a Pirate last season, odds are, Stratton will be a member of the Opening Day bullpen. While he possesses plus stuff, Hartlieb appears ticketed for the Triple-A bullpen to start the season.

Rios and Ponce are both intriguing arms. Rios flashed some good things for the Pirates last September, but he’ll likely start the season at Triple-A. As for Ponce, the Pirates acquired him in exchange from the Milwaukee Brewers for Jordan Lyles last July. Ponce will likely make his MLB debut at some point in 2020.

Friday afternoon’s game, unfortunately, will not be on TV. However, the radio broadcasts can be heard on MLB.tv.