PITTSBURGH PIRATES NEWS

Ke'Bryan Hayes - Takes part in defensive drills Hayes (ankle) was spotted taking part in defensive drills during Sunday's team workout, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impact After incorporating running drills and live batting practice into his training regimen in recent days as he works to overcome a right ankle sprain, Hayes took another step forward by adding third-base work to the mix. According to Mackey, Hayes appeared to be moving around well, which seemingly backs up the 25-year-old's assertion that he'll be ready to go for the Pirates' season opener Thursday in St. Louis. Ideally, Hayes would return to action at some point during the Pirates' remaining three exhibition games to clear up any lingering concerns about his health.

APRIL 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Anthony Alford - Likely to begin season on IL Alford (hand) was limited to hitting off a tee Saturday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impact Alford noted that he's been dealing with pain in his right hand throughout the spring, and given that he hasn't resumed taking full swings in live batting practice, he's seemingly trending toward opening the season on the injured list. If Alford is sidelined to begin the campaign, Cole Tucker and Ben Gamel would have clearer paths to reps in the corner outfield.

APRIL 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller's new weapon is a pitch that is sweeping through the majors The right-hander is among several pitchers who are finding success with a sideways slider nicknamed the sweeper.

APRIL 3, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Pirates preview: 2022 breakout candidates A look at five Pittsburgh Pirates poised for a breakout season in 2022: Mitch Keller, P Age: 25 How acquired: 2nd round (64th overall), 20...

APRIL 3, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

Pirates preview: Questions facing the team heading into the season Fielding progress: The Pirates made the fewest errors (70) and tied for the best fielding percentage (.988) in the National League last seas...

APRIL 3, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

Ron Cook: How many more chances will fans give the Pirates? If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard someone say ... “The Pirates are dead to me.” “I’ll never go to another game as...

APRIL 3, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

Analysis: Signing Ke'Bryan Hayes to a long-term extension would help Pirates on multiple fronts The Pirates have made another long-term pitch to Ke’Bryan Hayes, per sources. Signing him to an extension would really help their image.

APRIL 2, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

Adonis Medina - Optioned to Triple-A Medina was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

Impact Medina is just 25 years old and was an interesting prospect in the lower minors, but his star has faded to the point that he was designated for assignment by the Phillies over the winter. The Pirates don't have a particularly tough rotation to break into, but his 5.05 ERA in 17 Triple-A starts last year suggests he has more work to do before making a push for a starting role in the majors.

APRIL 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Pirates 7, Red Sox 2

APRIL 2, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

VanMeter brings bevy of gloves to utility role FORT MYERS, Fla. -- One minute, Josh VanMeter was relaxing in his Arizona apartment; the next, he was on a plane bound for Florida. Cactus L...

APRIL 2, 2022 • MLB.COM

Ke'Bryan Hayes - Taking live BP Hayes (ankle) will take part in live batting practice Saturday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Impact Hayes has been dealing with an ankle issue for the last week, but he's felt better recently and said that he may have be able to play through the issue if it was during the regular season. While the 25-year-old will still need to run at full speed before he's cleared for game action, he's trending in the right direction ahead of Opening Day.

APRIL 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Ben Gamel has a larger role — and a kid — but isn't about to change his approach with the Pirates Ben Gamel has a new role and is a new dad, but he’s keeping the same old approach, which the Pirates love. —

APRIL 2, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

Personal touch with manager Derek Shelton — and his open office — appreciated by players Pirates players seem to really appreciate how manager Derek Shelton has gone about building relationships with them.

APRIL 2, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

Pirates 6, Blue Jays 6

APRIL 1, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Anthony Alford - Dealing with hand injury Alford jammed his right hand earlier this week and is considered day-to-day, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Impact It doesn't appear to be a serious injury, though it's unclear if Alford will be able to retake the field before the end of spring training. The 27-year-old is the favorite to start in right field to open the season after hitting .233/.311/.406 with five home runs and five stolen bases over 49 games during 2021.

APRIL 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Paul Zeise: The Pirates' handling of Bryan Reynolds makes little sense The Pirates are apparently still haggling with their best player, Bryan Reynolds, over $650,000 or so. That’s a lot of money to you and me,...

APRIL 1, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

Jared Oliva - Loses roster spot Oliva was designated for assignment Thursday.

Impact Oliva had already been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, though he's now lost his grip on a roster spot with the team. Once a relatively well-regarded prospect, Oliva posted only a .249/.321/.364 line across 249 plate appearances with Indianapolis in 2021. The move makes room for Josh VanMeter, who was acquired by the Pirates on Thursday.

APRIL 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Josh VanMeter - Gets a shot in Pittsburgh VanMeter was traded by the Diamondbacks to the Pirates on Thursday in exchange for Listher Sosa.

Impact VanMeter was designated for assignment Sunday, though he should now have the opportunity to open the season in the majors. His ultimate role will likely be as a utility player and bench bat, but VanMeter could draw starts at third base if Ke'Bryan Hayes (ankle) is not healthy to begin the season. Across 310 plate appearances with the Diamondbacks in 2021, VanMeter hit only .212/.297/.354.

APRIL 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Ke'Bryan Hayes - Runs at 50 percent Thursday Hayes (ankle) ran at 50 percent and took grounders Thursday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impact Hayes suffered a minor right ankle sprain in a workout last weekend but has been able to continue participating in baseball activities other than baserunning. It was encouraging to see him run in a straight line Thursday, but it's not yet clear whether he'll be forced to miss any time to begin the regular season. If the 25-year-old can run at full intensity in the coming days, it wouldn't be surprising to see him avoid a trip to the injured list.

MARCH 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Pirates 4, Orioles 4

MARCH 31, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

'They've told me they'll listen': Bryan Reynolds on trade talks, ensuring focus stays on baseball Bryan Reynolds isn’t about to react to trade rumors. At the same time, it’s unlikely they’re going to stop as the Pirates are listening.

MARCH 31, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

The future draws closer for still evolving Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to take a step forward in 2022 after three straight last-place finishes in the NL Central.

MARCH 31, 2022 • KANSASCITY.COM

Buck's breakout continues with slam vs. Bucs FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Byron Buxton already looks comfortable enough at the plate that he doesn't even need his best swing to completely chan...

MARCH 30, 2022 • MLB.COM

Pirates spring training: Diego Castillo has another big day amid impressive campaign FORT MYERS, Fla. — Everything came up Diego Castillo on Wednesday. The Pirates’ 24-year-old infielder hit two home runs in a 9-4 loss to the...

MARCH 30, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

Twins 9, Pirates 4

MARCH 30, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS