Perrotto: ‘Z’ Gets Memorable ‘W’ in Pirates’ Opener (+)

CINCINNATI – Wednesday was a stressful day for Rob Zastryzny. It might have been even more so for his wife Natalie.

Thursday was a whole lot better.

Zastryzny, a journeyman left-handed relief pitcher, left with the Pittsburgh Pirates when they finished their spring training camp on Tuesday and flew to Cincinnati in advance of their season opener Thursday with the Reds. However, Zastryzny had not been placed on the 40-man and was not assured of making the team.

On Wednesday morning, Natalie flew out of Phoenix and had a connecting flight in Dallas-Fort Worth. However, when she reached DFW, Natalie did not know if she would be headed on to Cincinnati or Indianapolis, home of the Pirates’ Triple-A farm club.