Morning Rundown: Justin Lawrence makes Pirates debut in loss to Tigers
Reliever Justin Lawrence made his Pirates' debut on Sunday
Andrew Heaney made his second appearance for the Pirates this spring, pitching into the third inning this time around.
He allowed four earned runs on five hits and two walks in 2.2 innings. The Pirates lost 5-3, dropping their second game in a row.
Caleb Ferguson continues his work pitching as a multi-inning pitcher, throwing 2.2 innings, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out two. Dennis Santana and Chase Shugart each pitched 0.2 innings and Justin Lawrence made his Pirates’ debut.
Lawrence struck out a batter in his inning, throwing 12 pitches—eight of which went for strikes.
Tommy Pham went 1-2 with a home run, but left the game early with what was called left hip tightness. He said after the game that he was fine, and it was precautionary.
Joey Bart went 3-4 with a RBI and Ji Hwan Bae drove in the other run on a RBI groundout.
The Pirates will play a night game at LECOM on Monday, facing the Baltimore Orioles. Mitch Keller will pitch for the Pirates, and Matt Bowman will throw for the Orioles.
Paul Skenes is currently scheduled to pitch on Tuesday against the Yankees.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm ET.
Top Exit Velocity
Joey Bart - 107.3 mph - Single
Enmanuel Valdez - 106.7 mph - Lineout
Billy Cook - 103.8 mph - Forceout
Bryce Johnson - 103.2 mph - Single
Alika Williams - 103 mph - Lineout
Top Pitch Velocity
Justin Lawrence - 97 mph
Justin Lawrence - 96.9 mph
Justin Lawrence - 96.9 mph
Dennis Santana - 96.9 mph
Justin Lawrence - 96.9 mph
Most Whiffs
Caleb Ferguson - 5
Andrew Heaney - 3
Justin Lawrence - 2
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In a previous topic, PR mentioned a trade of Henry Davis to the Mets for Brett Baty. I doubt the Mets would make such a trade, but the possibility of securing Baty is intriguing. He is entering his age 25 season and is blocked in a number of ways with the Mets. He is a LH hitting 3B who has also played 2B and LF in the minors. With the glut of pitching that the Pirates control, would it be worthwhile to pursue that trade with the thought we may have to add a pitcher into the mix?
Cole likely headed for TJ surgery. I thought he would be good for the life of his contract, but I guess no one is immune. He will be 35 when he gets back sometime in 26. Hall of famer? Seems like a fringe case right now.