Pirates finalize Opening Day roster with unexpected pitching twist

The Pittsburgh Pirates have finalized their Opening Day roster, and their final bullpen decision raised quite a few eyebrows.

Right-hander Jose Urquidy has made the club and will open the 2026 season in a long relief role, according to a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Colin Beazley. Urquidy, who signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with Pittsburgh this offseason, earned the final spot in the bullpen despite a challenging spring.

On paper, Urquidy’s Grapefruit League performance didn’t necessarily stand out. The 29-year-old posted a 9.28 ERA and 1.69 WHIP across 10 2/3 innings, striking out eight batters while continuing to build up his workload. But the Pirates appear to be betting on his track record, experience and ability to provide length out of the bullpen — a role that has become increasingly important in today’s game.

That vote of confidence came at the expense of veteran right-hander Mike Clevinger, who was reassigned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday. Clevinger, in camp as a non-roster invitee, made a strong case down the stretch of spring training, logging a 5.02 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP and a solid 15:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 14 1/3 innings.

While neither pitcher dominated statistically, Clevinger’s higher strikeout total and longer outings gave him a legitimate argument for the role. However, Pittsburgh ultimately sided with Urquidy, signaling a preference for stability and defined role fit over spring performance alone.

Pirates choosing Jose Urquidy over Mike Clevinger has little to do with spring stats

The decision also reflects how the Pirates are shaping the back end of their pitching staff. Urquidy’s profile — a former starter capable of handling multiple innings — aligns with a growing need for bulk relievers who can bridge the gap between the rotation and late-inning arms. With questions surrounding rotation depth and workload early in the season, having a pitcher who can absorb innings without overtaxing the bullpen is a valuable asset.

For Clevinger, who transitioned into a relief role last year, the reassignment doesn’t necessarily close the door on contributing in Pittsburgh this season. Given his experience and ability to miss bats, he figures to remain a depth option at Triple-A and could be among the first arms called upon if the Pirates need reinforcements.

Still, the final bullpen decision underscores a key theme of the Pirates’ roster construction: trust in role clarity and long-term value over small spring sample sizes.

As Pittsburgh prepares to open the season, Urquidy’s inclusion serves as a reminder that roster battles aren’t always won on numbers alone — sometimes, it’s about fit, flexibility, and the belief that a pitcher’s best work is still ahead.