Monday, March 17, 2025, 10:34PM |  43°
MENU
Advertisement
Steven Brault pitches against the Braves on Tuesday at Champion Stadium.
1
MORE

Pirates to Steven Brault: 'Prepare to start. We'll see how it all plays out.'

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette

Pirates to Steven Brault: 'Prepare to start. We'll see how it all plays out.'

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Steven Brault is in an interesting spot this spring.

Class AAA cannot teach him much, yet he seemingly ranks behind the five starters. The intersection of those two realities mean he could begin the year in the bullpen despite starting for nearly his entire professional career.

“We did not tell him he’s on the team,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “We told him what the opportunity was. Prepare to start. We’ll see how it all plays out.”

Advertisement

Brault pitched two scoreless innings Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves in his spring training debut. He focused on staying on top of the ball and on commanding his change-up. 

Gregory Polanco, right, with first base coach Kimera Bartee, gave the Pirates a glimpse of what he could become last July.
Joe Starkey
Joe Starkey: Is Gregory Polanco ready? 'If I stay healthy, we’re gonna have fun.'

By posting a 1.94 ERA in 120⅓ innings with Class AAA Indianapolis last season and winning the organization’s pitcher of the year award, Brault proved his mastery of the level. 

“I feel that I would be able to learn some things in Triple-A, but I wouldn’t be able to learn how to face big-league hitters,” Brault said. “To do that I need to be in the big leagues.”

Brault got a lesson in big-league behavior Tuesday. He yelled at home-plate umpire Laz Diaz when he disagreed with a call.

Advertisement

“First time I’d ever been yelled at by two umpires at the same time and I deserved it because you can’t do that kind of stuff,” said Brault, who apologized to the umpires while speaking to the media.

“Body language on the mound like that is never going to do you any good moving forward,” Hurdle said.

Bill Brink: bbrink@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrinkPG.

First Published: February 27, 2018, 10:43 p.m.

RELATED
 Bryce Brentz congratulates Kevin Kramer after scoring against the Braves on Tuesday at Champion Stadium.
Bill Brink
Spring training report 2.27.18: Another extra-base hit for Kevin Kramer
Pirates general manager Neal Huntington talks with owner Bob Nutting during the Pirates' first full-squad workout Feb. 19.
Bill Brink
Players union files grievance against Pirates, three others regarding revenue sharing
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
1
sports
Gerry Dulac: If Aaron Rodgers goes elsewhere, what are Steelers' next QB options?
Pedestrians walk through rain showers in Schenley Plaza in Oakland Sunday, March 16, 2025.
2
news
Officials confirm 6 tornadoes hit Pittsburgh region as severe storms left widespread damage
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
3
sports
Paul Zeise Live: Are Steelers getting used for leverage by Aaron Rodgers, Kyle Juszczyk and others?
Rob Hirst and Danielle Cain are opening their Hey Babe bar-lounge inside the Maverick Hotel in East Liberty.
4
life
Two hospitality veterans are bringing new life to former Ace Hotel lobby with Hey Babe
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Sarasota, Fla.
5
sports
3 takeaways: Pirates' Paul Skenes 'hit and miss' in second-to-last spring outing on split-squad day
Steven Brault pitches against the Braves on Tuesday at Champion Stadium.  (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)
Matt Freed/Post-Gazette
Advertisement
LATEST sports
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story