—Carmen Mlodzinski allowed the first two runs of the spring, recording just a single out before getting removed from the game for Cam Alldred. It’s been a great spring for Mlodzinski, who has really been aggressive with hitters.
He picked up four whiffs on seven swings with his fastball alone of Saturday. How the Pirates utilize him will be interesting, as with so many upper level starting pitcher options available, the quickest way for him to make an impact would be as a reliever.
Mlodzinski came out of the bullpen in the middle of an inning, something you usually see out of a reliever during spring. The longer they keep him around Major League camp, the more likely it seems a move to the bullpen could be possible.
A move to the bullpen may be the long-term best move, but Mlodzinski certainly has value as a starter right now, even if it’s bringing some added depth to the potential Indianapolis rotation.
There is a possible added bonus with it. Usually the thought is that when the Pirates go to make room for a prospect, they trade from the Major League roster. If Mlodzinski continues to show potential as a starter, instead of moving him to the bullpen, they can capitalize on his value and trade him for another area of need.
Pitching is still gold in baseball, and a team that is further down in the building process than the Pirates, may value a player like Mlodzinski enough to be a part of a trade involving a more veteran type player.
After a strong finish to last season, things finally look to be heading in the right direction for Mlodzinski. Regardless, he looks to be taking the next step forward in his development, and it seems to be at the right time.
Pirates Prospects Daily
By John Dreker
Pirates lost 8-0 on the road yesterday, with a lineup that looked a lot like their Opening Day lineup, along with Vince Velasquez on the mound. Here’s the boxscore if you’re not squeamish. Focus on the Roansy Contreras part, that should help.
Pirates take on the Red Sox this afternoon on the road. The lineup will be posted below once it becomes available.
**Pirates Option Cal Mitchell; Nick Gonzales Gets Reassigned to Minor League Camp Pirates still have 22 more cuts before Opening Day, which is ten days from today.
**World Baseball Classic Recap: USA Defeats Venezuela USA won last night over Cuba in a blowout. Japan vs Mexico tonight, then USA plays the winner of that game in the finals on Tuesday.
**Pirates Prospects Daily: Cutter Puts In Work For Mitch Keller In Latest Start
**Pirates DVR: Travis Swaggerty Home Run, Austin Hedges Defense, Oneil Cruz Throw
Song of the Day
Today’s Lineup
Pirates at Boston Red Sox, afternoon tilt. Road game, but it’s televised
Our squad vs. the Red Sox.
