Pittsburgh Pirates: Strong Pitching and More Takeaways From Series Split

Apr 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Wil Crowe (29) and catcher Andrew Knapp (31) celebrate after defeating the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Pittsburgh won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Wil Crowe (29) and catcher Andrew Knapp (31) celebrate after defeating the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Pittsburgh won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Wil Crowe (29) and catcher Andrew Knapp (31) celebrate after defeating the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Pittsburgh won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Wil Crowe has a new home

Many people, myself included, spent the 2021 season speculating that Crowe was best suited for a major league bullpen. As he struggled in start after the start this belief only grew. Now, Crowe, who led the Pittsburgh Pirates in starts last season, is pitching out of the bullpen and appears to have found a new home.

After striking out 4 batters and allowing just a pair of base runners in 3 scoreless innings pitched on Wednesday afternoon, Crowe has now struck out 9 while walking 3 in 7 scoreless innings pitched this season.

What is most encouraging is the way Crowe’s stuff is playing up. His fastball is averaging 95 MPH which is nearly a 2 MPH increase over last season and has topped out at 97 MPH. His slider looks more wicked than ever and his whiff rate is up.

dark. Next. Triple-A Indy Throws Combined No-Hitter

Hopefully, the Pittsburgh Pirates will leave Crowe in the bullpen to continue to success for the rest of the season. Not only is this what’s best for Crowe it is what’s best for the Pirates and their bullpen. When the starting rotation needs reinforcements the first two guys the Pirates give opportunities to should be Miguel Yajure and Roansy Contreras anyway.