Pittsburgh Pirates: First Spring Training Game

The Pittsburgh Pirates first Spring Training game is today.  Here is the Pirates lineup and expected pitchers.

The Pittsburgh Pirates face off against the Baltimore Orioles in the first game of the Spring Training season, with the game being broadcast on 93.7 The Fan.  With that, the club has announced the starting lineup, and it looks similar to what they’ll run out there on Opening Day.

Kevin Newman, who got hit by a pitch last season in September and was placed on the Injured List, will bat leadoff and play at shortstop.  This is interesting, as another starting shortstop candidate is in the lineup but is instead getting time at second base, potentially a sign of how the club views Newman going forward.  Batting second is Ke’Bryan Hayes, who will look to repeat his 2020 campaign and he is followed by Bryan Reynolds, who is looking for a rebound season.

Left-hander Colin Moran is batting fourth at first base, a position he is taking over for Josh Bell.  Gregory Polanco will bat fifth and be in right and he is followed by designated hitter Todd Frazier, who is looking to make the club this spring.  Erik Gonzalez is betting seventh and is at secondbase, which is interesting given the amount of time he’s spent at short in Pittsburgh.  Perhaps the club is looking to get him more comfortable throughout the diamond.  Tony Wolters, a known defensive guy, is batting eighth and catching while Jared Oliva is batting ninth and competing for the starting center field/fourth outfield spot.

On the mound will be Chad Kuhl, followed by newly acquired Wil Crowe.  Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette has the pitchers:

Sam Howard, Clay Holmes, Nick Mears, and Carson Fulmer are all competing for a roster spot in the bullpen.  James Marvel is a former Pirates minor league pitcher of the year who serves as upper level minor league depth.  Spitzbarth is a minor league rule five player from this past winter who also serves as depth.

With game one getting ready to start, be sure to listen on 93.7 The Fan and to check the Rum Bunter site and the social media account for updates throughout the game and all of Spring Training.