\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Much has been made of Contreras¡¯ velocity, which has been noticeably down this season. After having an average four-seam fastball velocity of 95.6 mph last season, Contreras¡¯ average four-seam fastball is down to 94.1 mph this season. On Sunday, his average four-seamer clocked in at 95.9 mph. The last time Contreras had a start in which his average fastball velocity was at least 95.9 mph was Aug. 17, 2022.\n\n¡°The velocity is a product of hard work,¡± Contreras said. ¡°I¡¯ve been working on some stuff that¡¯s going to help me out when it comes to my velocity. I think it¡¯s not just because of the short outing, but because of things I¡¯ve been working on to get there.¡±\n\nLast season, Mitch Keller struggled to begin the year, owning a 6.61 ERA in his first seven starts. He briefly spent time in the bullpen in mid-May, making two long-relief outings, then rejoined the rotation in late May. Keller pitched well the rest of the way, posting a 3.20 ERA in his next 21 starts, a run that paved the way for this year¡¯s early success. Contreras and Keller aren¡¯t one-to-one comparisons by any means, but Keller illustrates how a brief stint in the bullpen can help a struggling starter.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2023-05-27T05:20:36.3Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/26/62f85119-3a0961a3-5dfa89a5-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Mitch Keller strikes out eight batters through six innings of work in his start against the Mariners","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:27","slug":"mitch-keller-fans-eight","tags":[{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-134","title":"Pittsburgh Pirates","team":{"__ref":"Team:134"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-656605","title":"Mitch Keller","person":{"__ref":"Person:656605"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"pitching","title":"pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight-reel-pitching","title":"highlight reel pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"in-game-highlight","title":"in-game highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"game-action-tracking","title":"game action tracking","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"international-feed","title":"International Partner feed","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"fan-duel","title":"Fan Duel","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"eclat-feed","title":"Eclat feed","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/gt71uz1a1dawqafuieuz"},"title":"Mitch Keller fans eight","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/mitch-keller-fans-eight"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"¡°Mitch is one example, and you can think of a lot of others around the game that have ¡ spent time in a Major League bullpen first or early on in a career to develop or make an adjustment or build a skill and bring that skill back to a starter¡¯s role,¡± Cherington said. ¡°We see examples of that all over the place. Certainly, Mitch is one of them. The bullpen can be a great place to get better in the Major Leagues, and it doesn¡¯t mean anybody who¡¯s in that role isn¡¯t a starter long term. We certainly believe Roansy is.¡±","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/roansy-contreras-pitches-out-of-bullpen-vs-mariners","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"SEATTLE -- On nine occasions this season, Roansy Contreras began an outing by ascending the steps of a dugout and making the short jog out to the mound, skipping over the chalk baseline on the way there. On Sunday, Contreras¡¯ run out to the mound was farther than normal.\nContrears,","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"justice-delos-santos","title":"Justice delos Santos","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-134","title":"Pittsburgh Pirates","team":{"__ref":"Team:134"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-672710","title":"Roansy Contreras","person":{"__ref":"Person:672710"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"GameTag","gamePk":717983,"slug":"gamepk-717983","title":"2023/05/28 pit@sea","type":"game"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"apple-news","title":"Apple News","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/xlpdla185cokgv7dgfmy","title":"Roansy Contreras pitches out of bullpen vs. Mariners"},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}],"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/pit/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"t134-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"t134-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Ticket Info & Schedule","linkUrl":"/tickets/information-request","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training","linkUrl":"/tickets/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-tickets","linkTarget":"","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mini Plans","linkUrl":"/tickets/mini-plans","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Assurance","linkUrl":"/tickets/assurance","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions Schedule","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/2021","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Ticket Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Family & Friends 4-Pack","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs/family-4-pack","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bucs Flex Plan","linkUrl":"/tickets/bucs-flex-plan","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Winter Warm Up Pack","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs/winter-warm-up-pack","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Pass","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/ballpark-pass","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1663862400;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"6 Pack+","linkUrl":"https://piratesflex.turnstyle.fan/","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Value Deals","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/fan-values","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Events & Theme Nights","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"6-Pack Ticket Plan","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Theme Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Military Discount","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/military-discount","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Premium Seating","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Hospitality Areas","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets/hospitality-and-suites","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"My Pirates Tickets","linkUrl":"https://mlb.tickets.com/?agency=PIRM_MYTIXX&orgid=39910#/auth/login","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2022 Season Updates","linkUrl":"/fans/2022-updates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1665003900;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Digital Ticketing","linkUrl":"/tickets/mobile/faqs","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Technology","linkUrl":"/tickets/mobile","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"3D Seating Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/seating-map/3d","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"PNC Park Tours","linkUrl":"/ballpark/tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts & Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rainout Policy","linkUrl":"/tickets/rainout-policy","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark App","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2020 Season Information","linkUrl":"/fans/2020-updates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Info Request","linkUrl":"/tickets/information-request","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy & Sell Tickets on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/pittsburgh-pirates-tickets?aid=15985&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=pirates_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":"premium-seat","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Premium","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"rewards","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"STH HQ","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"star","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"PiratesFest","linkUrl":"/fans/piratesfest","placement":null,"visible":"false","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions Schedule","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/2025","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Theme Nights","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/themes","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sortable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025/fullseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Printable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/printable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Downloadable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/broadcast-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Classic Game Broadcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/classic-game-broadcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1595379600;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Radio Network","linkUrl":"/schedule/pirates-radio-network-affiliates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"/prospects/stats?teamId=134","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Affiliate Stats","linkUrl":"/prospects/stats/affiliates?teamId=134","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/team/134","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Rookie Stats","linkUrl":"/pirates/stats/national-league?playerPool=ROOKIES","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1606325156;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Roster","linkUrl":"/roster","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"40-Man Roster","linkUrl":"/roster/40-man","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Non-Roster Invitees","linkUrl":"/roster/nri","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Chart","linkUrl":"/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/roster/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Coaches","linkUrl":"/roster/coaches","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"/roster/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Updates","linkUrl":"/pirates/news/topic/pirates-injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Draft Results","linkUrl":"/draft/tracker/all/team/pirates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Front Office","linkUrl":"/team/front-office","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcasters","linkUrl":"/team/broadcasters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Player Search","linkUrl":"/players","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Time Roster","linkUrl":"http://mlb.mlb.com/pit/history/players.jsp","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Minor League Affiliates","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/teams/by-affiliate#pittsburgh-pirates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top 30 Prospects","linkUrl":"/prospects/pirates/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Video","linkUrl":"/video","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Run It Back","linkUrl":"/video/topic/run-it-back","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Productions","linkUrl":"/video/topic/pirates-productions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Charities","linkUrl":"/video/topic/pirates-community","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Game Recap","linkUrl":"/video/topic/pirates-game-recap","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Most Popular","linkUrl":"/video/topic/t134-default-vtp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Curtain Calls","linkUrl":"/video/topic/pirates-curtain-calls","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Podcasts","linkUrl":"http://mlb.mlb.com/fan_forum/podcasts/index.jsp?c_id=pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"camera","linkTarget":"_blank","linkText":"Photos","linkUrl":"https://thepiratespress.mlblogs.com/","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Latest Headlines","linkUrl":"/news","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Official Releases","linkUrl":"/news/topic/pirates-press-releases","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/roster/probable-pitchers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Game Notes","linkUrl":"/news/game-notes","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"The Pirates Press","linkUrl":"https://thepiratespress.mlblogs.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Pipeline","linkUrl":"/news/topic/pirates-pipeline-coverage","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Stream","linkUrl":"/team/photos","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"RSS News Feed","linkUrl":"/feeds/news/rss.xml","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team History","linkUrl":"/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates History Feature Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/pirates-history-trivia","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB News","linkUrl":"/news","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"gameday","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"PNC Park","linkUrl":"/ballpark","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Information","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Enhancements","linkUrl":"/ballpark/enhancements","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gameday Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/gameday","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Scoreboard Messages","linkUrl":"/fans/scoreboard-messages","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"PNC Park Tours","linkUrl":"/ballpark/tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts & Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Plan Your Special Event","linkUrl":"/ballpark/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Clubhouse Store","linkUrl":"/ballpark/pirates-clubhouse-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Experience History","linkUrl":"/ballpark/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Features, Facts & Firsts","linkUrl":"/ballpark/features","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Let's Go Bucs, Let's Go Green.","linkUrl":"/community/green-initiatives","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Blood Drives","linkUrl":"/community/blood-drives","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bag Policy","linkUrl":"/ballpark/bag-policy","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Parking and Directions","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concessions Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/pnc-park-concessions-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"3D Seating Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/seating-map/3d","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Walk-Up Music Playlist","linkUrl":"/ballpark/music","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Facts","linkUrl":"/ballpark/facts","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Firsts","linkUrl":"/ballpark/firsts","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bradenton, Florida","linkUrl":"/ballpark/florida","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Latin America","linkUrl":"/ballpark/latin-america","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Experience History at PNC Park","linkUrl":"/ballpark/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"player","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Team History","linkUrl":"/history","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"globe","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Pirates Charities","linkUrl":"/community/pirates-charities","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Charities","linkUrl":"/community/pirates-charities","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Programming","linkUrl":"/community/community-programming","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Baseball and Softball","linkUrl":"/community/youth-baseball-softball","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Black History Month","linkUrl":"/community/black-history-month","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"50/50 Raffle","linkUrl":"/community/raffle","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Make A Donation","linkUrl":"/community/pirates-charities-donation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fields for Kids","linkUrl":"/community/fields-for-kids","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Miracle League Fields","linkUrl":"/community/miracle-league-fields","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Military Programs","linkUrl":"/community/military-programs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All Star Teachers","linkUrl":"/community/all-star-teachers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Newsletter","linkUrl":"https://mktg.mlbstatic.com/pirates/Pirates-Community-Newsletter.html","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Long Live Their Legacy","linkUrl":"/community/long-live-their-legacy","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Friendsgiving Holiday Drive","linkUrl":"/community/friendsgiving-holiday-drive","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1606923355;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Virtual Baseball & Softball Clinic","linkUrl":"/community/play-ball/virtual-coaches-clinic","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1605533803;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Building Bridges","linkUrl":"/community/building-bridges","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cancer Support Weekend","linkUrl":"/community/cancer-support","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1599537540;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Charities Game","linkUrl":"/community/pirates-charities-game","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1600142340;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Virtual Food Bank Donation","linkUrl":"/community/food-bank","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1604610256;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play At Home","linkUrl":"/community/play-ball/play-at-home","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Summer Camps","linkUrl":"/fans/baseball-camps","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fundraise the Jolly Roger","linkUrl":"/community/outreach-programs/fundraise-the-jolly-roger","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home Run 5K 10K","linkUrl":"/community/race","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates CARE-a-van","linkUrl":"/community/care-a-van","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Play Ball","linkUrl":"/community/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Programs","linkUrl":"/community/ticket-programs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"VFD Grant Program","linkUrl":"/community/volunteer-fire-department-grant","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Annual Community Report","linkUrl":"https://www.digitalpublications-mlb.com/157005/157249/186082/PITCommunityReport2020/index.html","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Together","linkUrl":"/mlb-together","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Fans","linkUrl":"/fans","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"PiratesFest","linkUrl":"/fans/piratesfest","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Hall of Fame","linkUrl":"/history/hall-of-fame","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Souvenir Tickets","linkUrl":"/fans/souvenir-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Values","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/fan-values","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jim Leyland HOF Travel Packages","linkUrl":"/fans/jim-leyland-hall-of-fame","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2020 Season Updates","linkUrl":"/fans/2020-updates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Going to Bat for Small Business","linkUrl":"/fans/small-business-non-profit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Total Tailgate Sweepstakes","linkUrl":"/fans/total-tailgate-package-sweepstakes","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1598846340;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Virtual Ballpark Experience - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/in-game","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Resources","linkUrl":"/fans/resources","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids Activities","linkUrl":"/fans/activities","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pumpkin Stencils","linkUrl":"/fans/pumpkin-stencils","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Zoom Backgrounds","linkUrl":"/fans/zoom-backgrounds","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"First Pitch Magazine","linkUrl":"/fans/first-pitch-magazine","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Social Media","linkUrl":"/social","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Email Newsletters","linkUrl":"/fans/newsletters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Digital Yearbook","linkUrl":"https://www.digitalpublications-mlb.com/157005/157249/186082/Pirates-2023-Yearbook/","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Experiences & Merchandise","linkUrl":"/fans/experiences-merchandise","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mascots and More","linkUrl":"/fans/mascots","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Walk-Up Music","linkUrl":"/pirates/ballpark/music","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Kids","linkUrl":"/fans/kids/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bucaroos Kids Club","linkUrl":"/fans/kids-club","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Digital Fan Pack","linkUrl":"/fans/fan-pack","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Gift Guide","linkUrl":"/fans/gift-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"PiratesFest at PNC Park","linkUrl":"/fans/piratesfest","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Summer Camps","linkUrl":"/fans/baseball-camps","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"appears:1717603200;expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-club-2024","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Apps","linkUrl":"/apps","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally","linkUrl":"/apps/rally","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"/apps/beat-the-streak","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"/play","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MiLB","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/milb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Home Run Derby","linkUrl":"/apps/home-run-derby","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play FAQs","linkUrl":"/help/play/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/rally/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"watch","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"/tv?&affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/t-14121179+z-9812019-458107067?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jerseys","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/jerseys/t-14343380+d-1261223436+z-92-875728927?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Caps","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/caps/t-14129980+d-6705223325+z-95-1745244677?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Men's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/men/t-25671124+ga-89+z-921841-1278411202?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Women's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/women/t-25455502+ga-68+z-994768-2409408569?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/kids/t-47012280+ga-92+z-997947-3537571025?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Big & Tall","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/big-and-tall/t-14892280+es-35+z-910315-2495592026?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trading Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/trading-cards/d-4507487451+z-952513-2008381280?_s=bm-mlb.com-ShopButton-2024-TradingCards-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Collectibles & Memorabilia","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/collectibles-and-memorabilia/t-14784435+d-6783338849+z-93-4025914707?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home & Office","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/home-and-office/t-14674480+d-6738552333+z-97-3817295593?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Clearance","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/pittsburgh-pirates/t-14121179+z-9812019-458107067?os=1&_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en/c/shop-by-team/national-league/pittsburgh-pirates?portal=AEI46DFD&CMP=PSC-AEI46DFD","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Certificates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-pit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pirates Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://pirates.auctions.mlb.com/?_gl=1*153jogc*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+PIT&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=mki8i1dARcxDt3WwReTi6kJOREHftyZJNK-Xg3m10ZpEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+PIT&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav+MLB&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Authentication","linkUrl":"/official-information/authentication","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Store Locations","linkUrl":"/ballpark/pirates-clubhouse-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Espa?ol","linkUrl":"/es/pirates","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#000000","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#000000","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#000000","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"https://images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/2A6YTBFzz7oLdYowgjSixz/340f7178036073f99ee753f7f619ab8d/t134_url_logo_gold.svg"},"headerMastheadTagline":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"https://images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/2hTG1mxFE3MHLe87FMAybg/9f66af10a786d3ac04b8bcf6a0be495c/Masthead_Template.svg"},"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"220px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"64px"}}},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","id":134,"division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Person:672710":{"__typename":"Person","id":672710},"Person:656605":{"__typename":"Person","id":656605},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbpirates","linkInternalFilters":"pittsburgh,pirates"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Pittsburgh Pirates","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
Contreras hopes stint in bullpen helps 'in the long run'
Contreras hopes stint in bullpen helps 'in the long run'
SEATTLE -- On nine occasions this season, Roansy Contreras began an outing by ascending the steps of a dugout and making the short jog out to the mound, skipping over the chalk baseline on the way there. On Sunday, Contreras¡¯ run out to the mound was farther than normal.
Contrears, a member of the starting rotation since the beginning of the season, made his first relief appearance of the year and pitched two scoreless innings as the Pirates fell to the Mariners, 6-3, in 10 innings at T-Mobile Park. A trip to the bullpen likely wasn¡¯t in the preseason script, but Contreras expressed optimism that his time as a reliever will allow him to course correct.
¡°It¡¯s going to help me out in many ways to come out of the bullpen in different situations and execute my pitches right away,¡± Contreras said through team interpreter Stephen Morales. ¡°In the long run, that¡¯s going to help me when I get back to my starting role.¡±
Contreras certainly stands to benefit from a brief change of scenery given how the last couple of weeks have unfolded. In May, Contreras owns a 5.64 ERA and 6.69 FIP across 22 1/3 innings, totaling the same number of strikeouts as walks (11). In April, by contrast, Contreras had a 3.58 ERA and 2.96 FIP with 24 strikeouts to 12 walks and recorded three consecutive quality starts for the first time in his career.
¡°We told him and really believe he is a starting pitcher long term,¡± general manager Ben Cherington said on 93.7 The Fan on Sunday. ¡°That¡¯s what we believe he will be. That¡¯s what we want him to be.¡±
The 23-year-old isn¡¯t entirely unfamiliar with pitching in relief at the Major League level. Last season, Contreras briefly filled right-hander Duane Underwood Jr.¡¯s role in the bullpen when Underwood landed on the injured list after the first game of the season. In three relief appearances, Contreras allowed three earned runs across 7 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts to three walks.
Before the Pirates placed Vince Velasquez back on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort, they originally planned to have Contreras temporarily pitch out of the bullpen. With Velasquez back on the injured list, however, Contreras¡¯s stint in the bullpen could last just one game. Contreras is not listed as a probable in the Pirates¡¯ upcoming series against the Giants, but following the off-day on Thursday, Contreras appears in line to start on Friday.
¡°He was outstanding today,¡± said manager Derek Shelton. ¡°He came in and the velocity was good. The slider was probably the best we¡¯ve seen it. With Vince going on the IL, I think we¡¯re going to have to sit down and talk about how we¡¯re going to functionally use our rotation now moving forward.¡±
— Justice delos Santos (@justdelossantos) May 28, 2023
Much has been made of Contreras¡¯ velocity, which has been noticeably down this season. After having an average four-seam fastball velocity of 95.6 mph last season, Contreras¡¯ average four-seam fastball is down to 94.1 mph this season. On Sunday, his average four-seamer clocked in at 95.9 mph. The last time Contreras had a start in which his average fastball velocity was at least 95.9 mph was Aug. 17, 2022.
¡°The velocity is a product of hard work,¡± Contreras said. ¡°I¡¯ve been working on some stuff that¡¯s going to help me out when it comes to my velocity. I think it¡¯s not just because of the short outing, but because of things I¡¯ve been working on to get there.¡±
Last season, Mitch Keller struggled to begin the year, owning a 6.61 ERA in his first seven starts. He briefly spent time in the bullpen in mid-May, making two long-relief outings, then rejoined the rotation in late May. Keller pitched well the rest of the way, posting a 3.20 ERA in his next 21 starts, a run that paved the way for this year¡¯s early success. Contreras and Keller aren¡¯t one-to-one comparisons by any means, but Keller illustrates how a brief stint in the bullpen can help a struggling starter.
¡°Mitch is one example, and you can think of a lot of others around the game that have ¡ spent time in a Major League bullpen first or early on in a career to develop or make an adjustment or build a skill and bring that skill back to a starter¡¯s role,¡± Cherington said. ¡°We see examples of that all over the place. Certainly, Mitch is one of them. The bullpen can be a great place to get better in the Major Leagues, and it doesn¡¯t mean anybody who¡¯s in that role isn¡¯t a starter long term. We certainly believe Roansy is.¡±