Pirates Minor League Report: Triple-A’s Poor Depth On Display

Triple-A Indianapolis, the Pirates’ only affiliate still playing this season, got knocked around in an 8-3 loss to the Columbus Clippers on Thursday. The Indians managed just one extra base hit, an Endy Rodríguez double, in the lopsided loss… one that saw their postseason hopes dwindle in spite of a resurgent second half. Alika Williams picked up four hits, all singles, while second baseman Tsung-Che Cheng, a recent promotion since Double-A Altoona’s season came to a close last week, singled and walked twice.

No true prospects pitched in the game. The youngest of them, Justin Bruihl, is 27 years old and made his big league debut in 2021.

Here are some of the noteworthy statistical performances from Pirates’ affiliates despite the loss.

Triple-A Indianapolis (74-70)

DH Endy Rodríguez

• Game: 1-for-5 with a double.
• Season: .263/.300/.395 with 2 doubles and a homer in 9 rehab assignment games.

SS Alika Williams

• Game: 4-for-5 with 4 singles.
• Season: .323/.394/.413 with 10 doubles and 2 triples in 39 games.