The Pirates were unsuccessful in ending Spring Training with a win, falling to the Minnesota Twins, 7-5.
Joe Block has the story.
Starter Johan Oviedo, who manager Derek Shelton said will be in the starting rotation come Opening Day, struck out seven hitters over five innings pitched. He also allowed two earned runs on six hits. Chase De Jong and David Bednar each tallied scoreless frames. Former Twin Juan Minaya gave up a go-ahead, three-run home run to Seth Gray in the eighth.
The Bucs end Spring Training with a 9-18-3 record.
Prior to the game, reports surfaced that outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba, utility player Ji Hwan Bae, and catcher Jason Delay earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. Then, the team announced that right-handed pitcher Yerry De Los Santos was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis while catcher Tyler Heineman was re-assigned to the minor leagues. Additionally, the club announced catcher Kevin Plawecki has opted out of his minor league deal.
More roster moves are expected.
