As mentioned in the Venezuelan Winter League preview, the amount of Pittsburgh Pirates farmhands playing Winter ball will change throughout the year as players are added and dropped from the organization and some players either start their season later or end it sooner. Last night, two Pirates players made their debut, though neither was on an Opening Day roster just three days ago.
David Bromberg got the start for Navegantes de Magallanes and went 4.1 innings in his team’s victory. He allowed three runs(one earned) on six hits, two walks and he struck out two batters. Bromberg spent most of the 2013 season with Altoona, going 6-12, 3.51 in twenty starts and six relief appearances. He also made two starts with Indianapolis. Bromberg had 135 strikeouts this year, the fifth highest total among Pirates minor leaguers.
Junior Sosa made his debut last night for the Bravos de Margarita club. He played right field, batted seventh and went 1-for-4 at the plate. Sosa split this past season between West Virginia and Bradenton, hitting a combined .245 in 91 games, with a .614 OPS. The 23-year-old outfielder has been in the Pirates organization since 2008.
Jhonathan Ramos made his second appearance and struck out the only batter he faced during the seventh inning of his team’s 5-3 win. Ramos took the loss in his first game, a two inning appearance in which he allowed one hit, a solo homer that proved to be the game winner.
In the Mexican League, catcher Ali Solis made his second start and went 0-for-4, allowing one stolen base on one attempt. He went 1-for-4 in the season opener.
The Dominican League begins it’s season on Friday. So far, Gregory Polanco and Matt Hague are confirmed. Other Pirates players will be added to the rosters during this week and we will post any updates when they are announced.