Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Miguel Yajure Struggles, Altoona Home Runs

Another big power day for Double-A Altoona, Low-A Bradenton has winning streak snapped and more in Sunday’s Pittsburgh Pirates minor league roundup

Righty Miguel Yajure started for Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday afternoon. After posting a zero in the 1st and 2nd inning, Yajure was knocked around in the 3rd inning leading to another poor start. This poor start was the beginning of a long day for the Indian pitching staff as the Pittsburgh Pirates top farm club fell to the Memphis Redbird 11-2.

Yajure allowed 4 runs on five hits, three walks, a home run, and four strikeouts in 5 innings pitched. He now has a 6.85 ERA and Triple-A this season. Factor in his struggles in the majors and he is a candidate to be designated for assignment this offseason.

Indy’s pitching struggles continued after Yajure’s day ended. Nick Mears allowed 2 runs on three hits, a walk, a home run and a strikeout in just 2/3 of an inning pitched. After Cam Alldred for the final out of the 6th inning, Travis MacGregor allowed 2 runs in the 7th inning. Zach Matson then allowed 3 more runs in the 8th.

As for the Indian offense, the top performer was Diego Castillo. Castillo started at shortstop and went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk. Castillo now owns an .846 OPS since being optioned to the minors and has earned an opportunity to return to the majors.

Hoy Park and Cal Mitchell were each 1-for-4, with Mitchell driving in a run. Travis Swaggerty wet 0-for-3 with a walk and Carter Bins was 1-for-3 with a walk. Jared Oliva also had a hit for the Indians.