Morning Rundown: Pirates sign Genesis Cabrera, Darrell-Hicks optioned, Stratton DFA
Pirates make roster moves on off day.
The Pittsburgh Pirates made some roster moves involving their bullpen on their off day, Thursday.
They signed free-agent left-handed pitcher Genesis Cabrera to a one-year deal. In almost 300 innings in the majors, Cabrera has a 4.03 ERA with 283 strikeouts.
His best season was in 2021, when he posted a 4-5 record with the St. Louis Cardinals with an ERA of 3.73 and 77 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched.
Cabrera pitched for the Mets and Cubs this year, posting a 6.35 ERA in 17 innings pitched. Statcast credits him with a sinker, curveball, four-seam, cutter, and splitter.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton for assignment. He had pitched three games in the majors and posted a 23.63 ERA.
They also optioned Michael Darrell-Hicks to Triple-A Indianapolis. He was recently acquired and promoted, pitching in just one game for the Pirates, striking out two over two shutout innings pitched.
The Pirates open up a three-game weekend series against the New York Mets at home. Here’s how the rotation should shape out:
Friday: Mitch Keller (1-10, 4.02 ERA)
Saturday: Bailey Falter (6-3, 3.59 ERA)
Sunday: Mike Burrows (1-2, 4.45 ERA)
Today, our midseason update of our top prospects in the Pittsburgh Pirates system will be released. We also expanded from 25 to 30. It will include full scouting reports, as well as updates on the 2025 season, for each prospect.
We will also be running a special where you can get 30% off a yearly subscription when you upgrade to a paid membership.
Not only do you gain access to our Top 30 scouting reports and 2025 updates, but also video breakdowns and player features, as well as live reports from my travels to minor league games.
John Dreker has a new book available on Amazon: “They Are Family: A History of Pittsburgh Pirates Relatives.”
Greensboro Grasshoppers sent RHP Joshua Loeschorn on a rehab assignment to Bradenton Marauders
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned RHP Michael Darrell-Hicks to Indianapolis Indians
Top Exit Velocity
Matt Fraizer - IND - 106.7 mph - Single
Joel Mendez - BRD - 105.9 mph - Triple
Ji Hwan Bae - BRD - 102.7 mph - Single
Richard Ramirez - BRD - 101.3 mph - Single
Alika Williams - IND - 99.5 mph - Single
Top Pitch Velocity
Burch Smith - IND - 96.6 mph
Zander Mueth - BRD - 96.2 mph
Zander Mueth - BRD - 96.1 mph
Zander Mueth - BRD - 96.1 mph
Zander Mueth - BRD - 95.4 mph
Most Whiffs
Thomas Harrington - IND - 9
Zander Mueth - BRD - 8
Carlos Castillo - BRD - 8
Po-Yu Chen - ALT - 7
Burch Smith - IND - 6
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Indianapolis Indians - 2 vs Omaha Storm Chasers - 17
Top Hitter - Alika Williams: 2-3, R, BB
Top Hitter - Nick Solak: 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR
Altoona Curve - 3 vs Chesapeake Baysox - 2
Top Hitter - Aaron McKeithan: 2-3, R, 2 RBI
Top Pitcher - Jaden Woods: 2 IP, H, 2 K
Greensboro Grasshoppers - Postponed
Bradenton Marauders - 7 vs Dunedin Blue Jays - 4
Top Hitter - Richard Ramirez: 2-3, R, RBI, BB
Top Pitcher - Carlos Castillo: 6 IP, 4 H, ER, 4 K
FCL Pirates - 2 vs FCL Rays - 3
Top Hitter -Carlos Caro: 1-3, 2 BB, RBI, 2B, SB
Top Pitcher - Angel Camacho: 2.1 IP, 2 BB, 2 K
DSL Pirates Black - 8 vs DSL Blue Jays Blue - 0
Top Hitter - Phillando Williams: 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B
Top Pitcher - Angel Soriano: 3 IP, 2 BB, 6 K
DSL Pirates Gold - 19 vs DSL Brewers Gold - 13
Top Hitter - Darell Morel: 4-6, 4 R, 4 RBI, 3B, HR, 3 SB
Top Hitter - Joseph Sequera: 3-5, 3 R, 4 RBI, BB, HR
If no one hears from me it's because I'm about to add a box to a bee hive that contains the meanest bees in the dirty South. Peace
After listening to the NS9 podcast with Jim Callis, it sounds like Pirates will have their choice between numerous ALL-STAR or even HALL OF FAME players at #6. Not saying anything bad about Callis, but it’s just human nature to talk about upcoming players in every draft so glowingly.
This year, I don’t have a strong take on who should be chosen. I just hope it’s someone who develops into a good player for Pirates. If forced to choose, I suppose I would pick Irish since he appears to have the best hit/power combination, and Lord knows Pirates need a lot of that!