Pittsburgh Pirates: New Projected Opening Day Roster

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 18: A general view of the field in the fifth inning during the exhibition game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Indians at PNC Park on July 18, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 18: A general view of the field in the fifth inning during the exhibition game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Indians at PNC Park on July 18, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Due to players testing positive for the coronavirus and getting injured, the projected Opening Day roster for the Pittsburgh Pirates looks differently than it did a week ago

Last week, the Rum Bunter staff took a stab at predicting the Opening Day line up, starting rotation and bullpen for the Pittsburgh Pirates. When this was done, we mentioned that due to the ever evolving coronavirus pandemic, no roster predictions, for any team, could truly be put in pen this season.

Well, in the past week the Pittsburgh Pirates have seen why this was the case. Starting right fielder Gregory Polanco has since tested positive for the coronavirus, and will now miss Opening Day. Closer Keone Kela has been put on the injured list for an undisclosed reason, and projected back up catcher Luke Maile had to have surgery that will cost him 10-12 weeks. In a 60-game season, missing 10-12 weeks will cost Maile the entire season.

It is not just these three players, either. Utility man JT Riddle did not play in Saturday night’s exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians. He also did not work out with the team on Friday. While the Pirates have not said anything one way or the other, Riddle’s status could be up in the air to start the season as well.

With all of that said, let’s get into our new projected Opening Day roster for the Pittsburgh Pirates.