Spring Training Gameday 8: Roansy Contreras gets the start as Pirates look for second straight win

Pirates head to Lakeland to face the Detroit Tigers with Roansy on the mound.

Photo Credit: Ryan Palencer

After seeing their offense explode for 12 runs, the Pirates look to win consecutive games for the first time this Spring as Roansy Contreras looks to further his case for one of the open rotation spots.

Without options remaining, the Pirates face a difficult decision should Contreras not be able to grab a rotation spot. He showed a spike in velocity in his first game, and opposing hitters struggled to make solid contact against the fastball.

Gilberto Celestino drove in five runs, including a grand slam as he tries to make a case to make the roster despite being a NRI.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm ET, with Jack Flaherty expected to get the call for the Detroit Tigers.

Pirates Lineup

SS - Oneil Cruz

CF - Ji-Hwan Bae

C - Henry Davis

LF - Jack Suwinski

RF - Edward Olivares

DH - Canaan Smith-Njigba

3B - Nick Gonzales

1B - Jake Lamb

2B - Alika Williams

Expected Pitchers

Roansy Contreras

Braxton Ashcraft

Colin Holderman

Chase Anderson

Brent Honeywell Jr.

Yesterday’s Feature

Alessandro Ercolani is a lower-level prospect I’m keeping a close eye on this year, mainly thanks to his fastball/cutter he used to build momentum until an injury ended his season.

Alessandro Ercolani: Fastball/Cutter key to building on 2023 mid-season surge

Today’s Feature

Coming Soon…