Pirates reveal rotation plans to kick off spring training as fan anticipation rises

The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially revealed how they plan to open spring training on the mound, and the early rotation assignments are already offering clues about the organization’s priorities heading into 2026.

Right-handers Wilber Dotel, Mitch Keller and Braxton Ashcraft will start the club’s first three Grapefruit League games this weekend, per Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The trio of a rising prospect, established veteran and emerging rotation piece reflects both the Pirates’ present expectations and future plans.

With fan optimism building after an aggressive offseason and a rotation anchored by Paul Skenes, even early February pitching decisions are drawing heightened attention across Pittsburgh.

Pirates reveal starting pitchers for first three spring training games in 2026

The Pirates could have easily handed the first spring start to a veteran. That’s often how clubs operate early in camp, easing established pitchers into their workload. Instead, they will hand the ball Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles to a minor leaguer they just added to the 40-man roster this offseason.

Dotel was one of six prospects the Pirates protected from the Rule 5 Draft, a clear signal that the organization views him as part of its near-term pitching depth. And the numbers back it up — Dotel led all Pirates minor leaguers in innings pitched (125 2/3) and strikeouts (131) at Double-A Altoona last season. Durability and swing-and-miss ability are two traits Pittsburgh has increasingly prioritized, as it builds pitching depth behind Skenes.

Realistically, Dotel is expected to begin 2026 at Triple-A Indianapolis. But after trading away multiple starting pitchers this offseason, the Pirates suddenly have opportunity behind their frontline arms. A strong showing this spring could push Dotel from “depth option” to legitimate midseason rotation candidate.

Sunday’s home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays belongs to Keller. A 4.19 ERA, 150 strikeouts and a 1.26 WHIP last season paint a far more stable picture than his 6-15 record suggests. Still, trade rumors circled him throughout the offseason — they always seem to — but nothing happened.

Instead, the Pirates handed him the spring home opener — a subtle but meaningful nod to his standing inside the clubhouse and rotation. Skenes may be the ace and the face of the franchise, but Keller increasingly looks like the bridge between generations. He’s the experienced arm tasked with stabilizing a rotation filled with upside and youth.

While Keller holds down the fort in Bradenton on Sunday, Ashcraft will take the mound in Clearwater for a split-squad contest against the Philadelphia Phillies. Ashcraft quietly delivered one of the more impressive rookie pitching performances last season, posting a 2.71 ERA over 69 2/3 innings while transitioning between starting and relief roles.

Now, the Pirates appear ready to stretch Ashcraft out. With his ability to miss bats and attack hitters aggressively, he has positioned himself as a potential No. 3 or No. 4 starter entering the season. But injuries have followed him throughout his development, and managing workload will be critical if Pittsburgh wants him contributing deep into the summer.

Spring training always brings optimism, but this year the Pirates aren’t selling hope based on someday. By opening camp with a blend of emerging prospects, established starters and rising contributors, they’re showing fans exactly what they believe this roster can become.

And judging by the growing buzz surrounding these first three games, Pirates fans are more than ready to see it unfold.