Pittsburgh Pirates: Non-Roster Invitees Who Could Make Opening Day Roster

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 29: Blake Weiman #82 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Century Link Sports Complex on February 29, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 29: Blake Weiman #82 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Century Link Sports Complex on February 29, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Pirates
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 29: Blake Weiman #82 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Century Link Sports Complex on February 29, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Left-handed reliever Blake Weiman

Blake Weiman is the top left-handed relief pitching prospect in the Pirate farm system. This spring, he will be in MLB camp with the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a good performance this spring, Weiman could crack the Opening Day roster.

The 25-year-old Weiman pitched 31.0 innings in 24 games between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis during the 2019 season. In these 31.0 innings of work Weiman pitched to the tune of a 2.90 ERA, 3.79 FIP, 6.3% walk rate, 27.0% strikeout rate, and he allowed four home runs (1.16 HR/9). Outside of his home run rate, which was not all that bad, all of these numbers were better than league average.

Had the 2020 season not been impacted by COVID, then Weiman would have started the season back with Indianapolis. However, at some point during the season he would have made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Sam Howard and Austin Davis are the only left-handed relief pitchers on the Pirate 40-man roster. This could create an opportunity for Weiman to potentially seize an Opening Day roster spot. Even if he does not, Pirate fans will see Weiman make his MLB debut at some point in 2021.

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