BRADENTON, Fla. — The frustration over the Pirates announcing Paul Skenes would not break camp with the big club was expected.
Ditto for the team’s decision to go that route with the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s MLB draft.
At the same time, it’s probably only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to business that general manager Ben Cherington must sort out before opening day on March 28 in Miami.
As dominant as he looked during two Grapefruit League outings, Skenes never stood a chance, the same as Stephen Strasburg, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and other high-level college pitchers before him. It feels like the fun police making a bust, but some time in the minor leagues isn’t unprecedented.
But when it comes to building the rest of the roster, Cherington, manager Derek Shelton and others have weightier decisions ahead, starting with who starts behind home plate against the Marlins.
The most pleasant surprise this spring might be the defense of Henry Davis, who has looked perfectly competent behind the plate while also smashing three home runs, batting .400 (6 for 15) in six games prior to Wednesday and posting a 1.444 OPS.
Asked about Davis’ defense during his most recently availability, Cherington said the Pirates are plenty pleased.
“He basically hasn't been noticeable, in a good way,” Cherington said. “Receiving's been good. He's getting pitches on both sides of the plate. Hasn't gotten a ton of throwing opportunities yet. The preparation's always been there.
“The reaction from pitchers has been good. We just need to see more. But very encouraging so far."
Davis should catch plenty the rest of the way. Also, assuming what we see holds, it’s tough to see what their reason(s) could possibly be for keeping him off the major league roster.
If Davis ultimately breaks with the big club, it would mean working alongside Yasmani Grandal. The Pirates have liked what they’ve seen from Grandal, too, but they’re also aware he’s 35 and entering his 13th MLB season.
“Whether it's a true [time] share, or if it's 1A and 1B, or however you want to put it, it can be an effective way to get a lot of value at that position,” Cherington said. “We think we have the guys who give us a chance to do that."
Another spot on the roster that has Cherington’s attention remains starting pitching, specifically the fourth and fifth spots behind Mitch Keller, Marco Gonzales and Martin Perez. Roansy Contreras, Quinn Priester and Luis Ortiz have seen slight upticks in velocity. They’ve also been better at times executing breaking stuff.
Those three are firmly in the mix, along with Jared Jones and Bailey Falter, although the latter has not fared well in Grapefruit League action.
Cherington also mentioned late signings such as Chase Anderson and Josh Fleming as non-roster pitchers who could win a spot.
“There are guys there who have a track record,” Cherington said. “I just think we need more time. We need to see that entire group build volume and learn from that.”
The Contreras development might be most encouraging for the Pirates. His fastball once again has life, and he talked recently about rediscovering his rhythm and confidence on the mound.
When Contreras has successfully landed his curveball, creating another option beyond his fastball and slider, he’s been tough to hit.
Meanwhile, Jones has 16 Triple-A games under his belt and has flashed the most electric stuff of anyone in this group. If he keeps pushing like this, how do you not let him keep going?
When it comes to the business side, Priester and Ortiz are on the 40-man roster. The others are not — and would likely have to do more to earn a spot.
The Pirates could also keep multiple and get creative with how they cover those last two spots, perhaps rotating a group of arms based on matchups and availability.
“A lot of guys have taken a step forward,” Cherington said. “More to learn here over the next three weeks or so. We have time to sort that out. But the competition will be strong for the remaining rotation spots."
Bullpen-wise, the Pirates will be without Dauri Moreta for the foreseeable future, the result of what could be a serious right elbow injury. David Bednar is also dealing with a minor right lat injury, although there doesn’t seem to be much concern for opening day.
Aroldis Chapman, Colin Holderman, Carmen Mlodzinski and Ryan Borucki are locks to make the bullpen — and Bednar would make five. The remaining three spots could be filled with any of the aforementioned names. Wily Peralta and his nasty splitter have also looked good and could be a factor here.
One idea that has lost steam is the expectation the Pirates will trade for a starting pitcher. They still could, of course. But it will be tough to pull off with around three weeks until opening day.
Asked about the possibility of a trade at this point, Cherington said the Pirates are more focused on the guys in camp. That means a group of “six or seven” competing for the two rotation spots, with the overflow perhaps shifting into bullpen roles.
“We’ll have our eyes out,” Cherington said. “If there are things we can do to make the team better, we’re gonna stay on that. No guarantee those things happen. We’re mostly focused on the guys who are here.”
Jason Mackey: jmackey@post-gazette.com and @JMackeyPG on X.
First Published: March 6, 2024, 2:23 p.m.
Updated: March 7, 2024, 3:15 a.m.
