Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez Both Hit Home Runs & More

Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez each hit a home run, Quinn Priester turned in his third consecutive strong start, and more Pittsburgh Pirates minor league action

The Pittsburgh Pirates offense might be stuck in a historically poor rut, but that has not stopped plenty of players in their minor league system from swinging a hot bat. This included most of the lineup for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians on Tuesday night as they defeated Iowa Cubs 9-1 to improve to 19-20 on the season.

Catcher Endy Rodriuez, the no. 45 overall prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline's latest rankings, hit a solo home run. This gives Rodriguez 4 home runs on the season. Too bad the Pittsburgh Pirates do not need offensvie help at the catcher position. Oh.. wait. Well, Rodriguez couldn't possibly play the defense Austin Hedges does. Failing to control the opposing running game and struggling to find pitches in the dirt is elite defensive stuff!

Former first-round pick Nick Gonzales made his second consecutive start at shortstop, going 2-for-5 with a double, his 3rd home run of the season, two runs scored, and three RBI. Canaan Smith-Njigba hit his 2nd home run of the season and drove in two runs. Jared Triolo, Mark Mathias, Malcolm Nuñez, and Cal Mitchell all had a hit as well.

Quinn Priester started for the Indians and turned in his thrid consecutive strong start. Turning in his best start of the season, Priester allowed a run on five hits, a walk, and nine home runs in 7 innings pitched. Priester now owns a 4.66 ERA and a 12:42 BB:K ratio this season.

Starting a rehab assignment, lefty Rob Zastryzny followed Priester. Zastryzny pitched a scoreless 8th inning, striking a batter out while allowing a hit and issuing a walk. Angel Perdomo struck out a pair in a scoreless 9th inning.