Morning Rundown: Lefty Starting Options Growing In Pirates System
One glaring hole when it comes to the Pirates system has been left handed starters, but on Sunday two took the mound for their respective affiliates.
While the strength of the Pirates system is the pitching, there aren’t many top end options that throw from the left side.
Anthony Solometo is among the best prospects in the Pirates system, but outside of that, there wasn’t much else there pitching in the organization going into the season.
Michael Kennedy has pitched well in the Complex League at just 18-years-old, but is still raw and a ways out before he can make an impact.
However, on Sunday the Pirates not just one but two left-handed pitchers start for their respective affiliate, and can easily be considered legitimate prospects.
Hunter Barco was the Pirates second round pick in 2022, but his professional debut was delayed due to undergoing Tommy John last year. He made a few appearances in the FCL before making his affiliated ball debut with Single-A Bradenton.
He threw just 17 pitches, with what appeared to be a pitch limit on an inning basis, but did strike out the first two batters he faced before walking the next two. The slider played well, and while the velocity was a little lower than it was in college, he could still in a stage of building the arm strength back up.
Up in Altoona, Jackson Wolf made his Pirates organization debut, pitching 4.2 innings for the Curve, striking out five while allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk.
The tall 6’7” lefty throws from the side, and featured a pair of strong breaking pitches. While the fastball was in the upper 80s/low 90s, the deception from his arm slot, as well as his control, helped keep batters honest.
Wolf was acquired in the trade that sent both Rich Hill and Ji-Man Choi to the San Diego Padres.
Solometo, of course, is the best left handed pitching prospect but now he isn’t alone and it is at least a much bigger crowd for the Pirates.
Minor League Recap 8/6
The Indianapolis Indians game was cancelled on Sunday due to wet field conditions
Altoona Curve - 4 vs Richmond Flying Squirrels - 13
Top Hitter - Jackson Glenn: 4-4, 2 RBI, R, HR (4)
Top Pitcher - Jackson Wolf: 4.2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 5 K
Greensboro Grasshoppers - 2 vs Asheville Tourist - 4
Top Hitter - Jack Brannigan: 2-4, R, RBI, HR (3)
Top Pitcher - Valentin Linarez: 2 IP, BB, 3 K
Bradenton Marauders - 9 vs Tampa Tarpons - 11
Top Hitter - Lonnie White: 1-5, R, 4 RBI, HR (5)
Top Pitcher - Elijah Birdsong: 2 IP, K
Barco looked great for two batters. Six pitches, two Ks. He walked the next two, but wasn’t missing badly. Then he came out and went to the bullpen to throw. Something they didn’t like about his motion maybe.
It isn't to the same degree, yet, but it's starting to look like they are in fact trying to mold Oviedo into another Keller type. Keller type being someone who throws 5 pitches and isn't overly dependent on one or two specific pitches.
Last night's usage:
FF: 34%
SL: 29%
SI: 16%
CB: 15%
CH: 7%