Pirates Spring Preview: First Look at Martín Pérez

Martín Pérez will make his first start for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their game against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday in Bradenton at 1:05 ET.

Pérez, who turns 33 next month, was signed by the Pirates to a one-year contract in the offseason following winning a World Series ring with the Texas Rangers in 2023.

The left-hander went 10-4 with a 4.45 ERA across 35 appearances/20 starts with Texas last year. Pérez was an All-Star in 2022 when he went 12-8 with a 2.89 ERA.

Pérez figures to have a rotation spot locked down alongside Mitch Keller and Marco Gonzales. There is competition to determine the final two spots come opening day.

As for the lineup, the versatile Jared Triolo will play shortstop, something he did 16 times with Triple-A Indianapolis last year.

Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup

1. Jared Triolo SS
2. Bryan Reynolds LF
3. Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B
4. Rowdy Tellez 1B
5. Connor Joe RF
6. Edward Olivares CF
7. Liover Peguero 2B
8. Jason Delay C
9. Billy McKinney DH

The Pirates will face 24-year-old right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, the Orioles’ first-round pick in 2018. Rodriguez made his debut in 2023 and went 7-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 23 starts in his rookie season.

The game will be aired on SportsNet Pittsburgh and can be heard on the radio on 93.7 The Fan.

PBN LINKS

Pirates Spring Game Recap: Henry Davis Homers Again in 7-3 Win Over Tigers

What’s the Goal for ‘Young Bucs’ at Spring Training?

Pirates Spring Game Recap: Home Run Barrage Continues in Win Over Rays

Perrotto: Pirates Need More Than Another Starting Pitcher

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Flames’ Late-Game Comeback Torches Penguins, 4-3

Steelers Now: Adam Schefter Confirms Steelers Have Interest In Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Sports Now: Upper St. Clair Blows Out Baldwin in WPIAL 6A Boys’ Basketball Championship Game

SUBSCRIBE TO PBN+

For full-access to Pittsburgh Baseball Now, CLICK HERE. *** You also get full Penguins and Steelers coverage with your subscription!