Non-Roster Standouts in Pirates’ Spring Training

There have been several regulars for the Pittsburgh Pirates who have stood out during spring training.

Oneil Cruz is tied for the spring lead with seven home runs. Ke’Bryan Hayes is hitting .415 with a 1.136 OPS. Henry Davis also has an OPS north of 1.000 to go along with four homers and 11 RBIs in 13 games.

But spring training is about more than just the guys who already have their spots solidified on the roster.

There is competition at a number of areas around the diamond, and non-roster invitees are squarely in the mix in several areas.

The Pirates have received impactful contributions from both established players and prospects not yet on the 40-man roster. Here are some of the standouts.

Position Players

•  Billy McKinney: .361/.477/.583, 13 for 36, two doubles, two home runs, nine RBIs, 17 games

McKinney has forced his way into the conversation about a spot on the Pirates’ opening-day roster. He’s reached base safely in nearly all of the games he’s played in this spring.

• Gilberto Celestino: .359/.405/.487, 14 for 39, two doubles, one home run, seven RBIs, two steals, 18 games

Celestino was signed to a minor-league deal early in the offseason and has opened some eyes during Grapefruit League play.

• Termarr Johnson: .348/.400/.652, 8 for 23, one double, two home runs, four RBIs, 15 games

Johnson was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he certainly showed what makes him one of the top prospects in the organization.

• Jake Lamb: .286/.324/.457, 10 for 35, three doubles, one home run, five RBIs, 15 games

Lamb is another minor-league signee who has had a solid showing during spring training.

Pitchers

• Chase Anderson: 2-0, 2.45 ERA, 11.0 innings, three runs, five hits, three walks, nine strikeouts, four appearances/one start.

Anderson has been in competition for a spot after joining the organization on a minor-league deal signed early on in spring training. He’s pitched well.

• Brent Honeywell Jr.: 0-0, 3.24 ERA, 8.1 innings, three runs, five hits, one walk, 10 strikeouts, nine appearances

Honeywell has a shot to earn a spot in the bullpen, especially so after Dauri Moreta’s injury news.

• Jared Jones: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 11.1 innings, two runs (no earned runs), five hits, four walks, 10 strikeouts, five appearances/two starts

Perhaps the most compelling storyline this spring is Jones’ increasing odds at landing an opening-day spot in the Pirates’ rotation.

• Wily Peralta: 0-0, 1.35 ERA, 6.2 innings, one run, four hits, one walk, seven strikeouts, six appearances

The veteran Peralta has provided a steady presence when on the mound for the Pirates.

• Ryder Ryan: 0-2, 3.52 ERA, 7.2 innings, four runs (three earned), six hits, four walks, 10 strikeouts, eight appearances

Despite his 0-2 record, Ryan has looked pretty good so far this spring.

• Hunter Stratton: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, seven innings, no runs, six hits, two walks, seven strikeouts, eight appearances

Stratton made his big-league debut late last season with the Pirates. He might add to the back of his baseball card if he keeps this up.