Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Prospects to Watch Early in 2023

ST LOUIS, MO - JUNE 14: Canaan Smith-Njigba #28 of the Pittsburgh Pirates against the St. Louis Cardinals during game one of a doubleheader at Busch Stadium on June 14, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - JUNE 14: Canaan Smith-Njigba #28 of the Pittsburgh Pirates against the St. Louis Cardinals during game one of a doubleheader at Busch Stadium on June 14, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 27: Blake Cederlind #62 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh 8-6. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 27: Blake Cederlind #62 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh 8-6. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

RHP Blake Cederlind

It’s been a while since Pirate fans have gotten to see Blake Cederlind. The last time he pitched a meaningful amount of innings was way back in 2019. After a 2021 Tommy John surgery and setbacks in the 2022 season, Cederlind looks to find a way back to the major leagues in 2023.

Back in 2019, Cederlind had a 2.28 ERA, 3.31 FIP, and 1.18 WHIP through 59.1 innings between Bradenton, Altoona, and Indy. Cederlind had a mediocre 21.6% strikeout rate and a 9.6% walk rate. However, he had a 48.4% ground ball rate, allowing just two home runs all season.

When Cederlind last pitched, it was 2020, and he displayed a high-90s sinker that hit 100 MPH. On top of that, he threw a cutter in the 88-91 MPH range. He only pitched four innings back in 2020, but it was a promising four innings. Unfortunately, health has not been on Cederlind’s side.

If Cederlind is healthy by the time Spring Training rolls around, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing him take Duane Underwood’s role in the bullpen. Underwood has struggled in his two years in Pittsburgh, but Cederlind has yet to be given a chance, mainly because of injuries. The Pirates have an opportunity, given their lacking bullpen, and Cederlind deserves a look.