Pittsburgh Pirates: Two Players Making the Most of Winter League Action

Newly acquired outfielder Edward Olivares and lefty reliever Jose Hernandez have seized the moment this offseason, but have they shown enough to stick in the majors?

The Dominican Winter League (LIDOM), which entered its round robin playoffs this week, is likely not the Pittsburgh Pirates’ favorite institution. In the most disheartening offseason setback, catcher Endy Rodriguez, who caught a no-hitter with Estrellas Orientales, sustained an injury to his right elbow that required surgery. Of lesser note, righty Luis Ortiz gave up 19 hits across 6 ⅔ innings (four starts) with Aguilas Cibaenas, and newly acquired infielder Sergio Alcantara has mustered a mere .153 batting average in regular-season play with Tigres del Licey.

However, two players on the team's 40-man roster are making the most of their winter league action.