Pirates’ Hunter Barco Builds Workload in Push for Rotation Spot

The article recaps a spring training win for the Pirates over the Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. It highlights pitching comings and goings, notable performances, and early roster battles as players audition for regular-season spots.

Game recap and standout performances

Justin Lawrence picked up the win for Pittsburgh. Scott Effross took the loss, and Thomas Harrington grabbed his first spring save.

The Pirates’ offense got key runs from Esmerlyn Valdez, Termarr Johnson, and Yordany De Los Santos. They pulled ahead 5-3 in a back-and-forth game at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

On the mound, lefty Hunter Barco returned from Tommy John surgery and threw just over four innings. He gave up three earned runs on three hits, walked one, and struck out three.

Barco was pulled after a tough second turn through the order. He said he threw good pitches and felt his strike efficiency had improved, but he knows giving up three runs is part of the process.

Don Kelly, the Pirates’ manager, praised Barco’s competitiveness and the return of his stuff. Kelly liked Barco’s lefty look and his ability to throw strikes with multiple deceptive offerings.

Barco, ranked as the No. 96 prospect by MLB Pipeline, said he wants to break camp in the Pirates’ rotation. He made his MLB debut last September and is looking to stick.

Progress from top prospects and roster hopefuls

In the infield, Termarr Johnson, the Pirates’ 2023 first-round pick and No. 6 prospect, kept his hot spring alive. He went 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI, bumping his spring average to .389.

Johnson’s production has fans and evaluators buzzing—could he fast-track into regular-season duty?

Non-roster invitee Dominic Fletcher kept pressing for a roster spot. He reached base after getting hit by a pitch and later scored.

Fletcher’s now batting .286 with an .851 OPS this spring. Kelly praised his competitiveness, defensive versatility, and athletic arm, saying Fletcher keeps improving at the plate and impacts the game in different ways.

Impact on roster battles and development

The day’s outcomes gave the Pirates more to chew on as spring rolls forward. Barco’s outing showed where he stands after surgery, while Johnson and Fletcher offered the club a couple of high-upside options as the season gets closer.

Here are some takeaways to keep an eye on as spring unfolds:

• Barco’s return and role — Will his innings, efficiency, and command hold up against more lineups? That’ll shape rotation plans and his development timeline.
• Johnson’s continued emergence — Hitting .389 in the spring begs the question: Is he debuting sooner than expected, and where does he fit in the lineup?
• Fletcher’s roster pursuit — His on-base skills and defensive versatility keep him in the mix for a bench or utility role.
• Team depth and prospect progression — How will other spring invitees perform, and how will the staff use them as camp gets busier?

Looking ahead: Pirates vs. Red Sox at LECOM Park

The Pirates return to LECOM Park on Sunday to take on the Boston Red Sox. Carmen Mlodzinski is set to pitch against Jake Bennett.

You can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh or tune in to 93.7 The Fan. It’s another spring matchup that’ll help shape the club’s roster and maybe even hint at what’s ahead.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 3 takeaways: Hunter Barco continues to build up work volume in push toward rotation spot