Pirates Spring Recap: More From Suwinski, Pitching Prospects on Display in Rout of Twins

Several players played a big part in the Pittsburgh Pirates dominant 12-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon, but there was one player in particular who continued to swing a hot bat.

Jack Suwinski, who has been on fire since the start of the Grapefruit League slate, stuffed that stat sheet in the win. Suwinski finished 2 for 3 with a double with his two hits registering exit velocities of 107.2 and 106.1 mph. He also drove in three more runs, stole two bases and scored once.

It’s an encouraging sign for Suwinski who is coming off a year he surely would like to forget. Spring statistics are always to be taken with a grain of sale, but a good showing from the 26-year-old.

Pitching Prospects

Two notable pitching prospects took the mound in relief in the Pirates’ win.

Bubba Chandler made his second appearance of the spring and threw a scoreless, hitless inning and issued one walk. Chandler’s lively fastball was again on display and topped out at 98.1 mph on the radar gun.

Chandler is the consensus top Pirates’ prospect and is expected to make his MLB debut at some point during the 2025 season.

Anthony Solometo also logged a scoreless inning for the Pirates. The left-hander was given the ball in the sixth inning, didn’t allow a hit, walked one and struck out two.

Solometo, the Pirates’ second-round pick in 2021, has seen his prospect status dip after struggling during the 2024 season. He spent most of the season with Double-A Altoona last season.

Notable Pirates’ Performances

• Jack Suwinski: 2 for 3, one double, three RBIs, one run, one walk
• Nick Solak: 3 for 3, two doubles, one RBI, three runs
• Caleb Ferguson: 2.0 innings, five hits, one run, no walks, three strikeouts
• Carmen Mlodzinski: 2.0 innings, one hit, no runs, no walks, no strikeouts

The Pirates will be back at LECOM Park on Friday afternoon to take on the Tampa Bay Rays to close out February.