Colin Beazley's Pirates chat: 05.29.26
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Jordan
12:51
Any concern Griffin could have Tommy John in future with this elbow /forearm issue
Colin Beazley
12:52
Elbow? Haven't heard that. Right forearm soreness is a little different. Everything I've heard suggests this is a minor thing. I'd be surprised if it even leads to an IL stint. That said, we do get medical updates today so we'll hear more very soon.
Mike
12:52
Skenes is a good pitcher, but unless he learns to control his pitch count, he does the Pirates no good. but my question is this, if they find themselves close to being out of the race, do you think they start bringing more of the rookies up again? Valdez?
Colin Beazley
12:55
Paul Skenes does the Pirates a lot of good. Efficiency matters, but yesterday's loss wasn't on him.

As for your question, I do like what they've been able to do with their rookies. A lot of that is necessity, but they've given opportunities to Valdez/Password/Bidois/Dotel and of course, Griffin. I expect all to be back if the Pirates end up out of the race, though they're also contributing with the Pirates in the middle of things now. Valdez will get another shot, but with O'Hearn getting closer to a return, his playing time was going to shrink anyways.

The next rookie I'd like to see debut is Antwone Kelly. He's been better in Triple-A and I think he could help at some point.
Ryan
12:56
Good afternoon Colin what do you think will be the roster move to activate jones Ramirez or someone designated for assignment
Jason P.
12:56
Ramirez, or Lawrence, have to be the DFA candidates for Jones right? Antwone Kelly to replace the other one? We can’t keep going with these 2.
Colin Beazley
12:57
I'd rather not speculate on who could go down. That said, I am concerned about Yohan Ramirez. We saw what he could be at the beginning of the season, but he's been too erratic of late.
Dumpster fire
12:57
Is this the worst bullpen in Baseball ? How long do we need to tolerate Justin Lawrence, who pitches like Jennifer and Yohan Ramirez, who should retire to his off-season job as an Amish farmer
Colin Beazley
1:01
Props for two original insults. Good on you for creativity.

Something I've been shocked by every time I look up bullpen stats -- The Reds bullpen has, somehow, been much worse than the Pirates. Since April 27 (the 4-2 ninth inning loss to St. Louis), the Pirates' bullpen has a 5.33 ERA. The Reds' bullpen has a 7.06 ERA.

It could be worse. Cincinnati is experiencing it.
Gene
1:01
Has Soto taken over the closer role?
Colin Beazley
1:02
Essentially by default. He's been very good, while the majority of the 'pen (minus Evan Sisk, Mason Montgomery and Wilber Dotel) has wilted.
Gene
1:03
When O’Hearn returns who do you think will be sent down?
Colin Beazley
1:03
I'd prefer not to speculate on demotions... but the Pirates do want Valdez and Garcia to play every day.
Jim
1:03
what is the reasoning behind starting a relief pitcher for the first inning only?  Can a starter not go three times around a lineup?
Colin Beazley
1:07
Ah, the opener strategy. Some can't. (Well, all can, but some are less effective that way.)

Basically the thinking is to either a) change an opponent's lineup, usually putting lefties elsewhere, b) keep your pitcher from facing a specific hitter/a few specific hitters and/or c) so a pitcher faces the bottom of the lineup three times and the top of the lineup (better hitters) just twice.

With Mlodzinski earlier this season, it helped him avoid lefties atop the lineup, which helped him pitch better. With Dotel, he started with 7-8-9 and only faced the bottom of the lineup twice.

It's an interesting strategy, but it only works in certain spots.
Jordan
1:07
Are you worried about player push back if you speculate? What’s the harm. It’s only your opinion.
Colin Beazley
1:09
I more just don't see the benefit. It's also a lifelong dream for these guys to play in the majors. I try to avoid saying outright that I think that dream may or will end soon.
Birthday Boy
1:09
I'm guessing Paul Skenes ultimate birthday wish would be a trade away from this dumpster fire of a franchise. I can't blame him
Colin Beazley
1:10
And that'll do it!
1:12
Thank you all for joining on this week's Pirates chat. Always enjoy these when mailbag timings don't work out.

If you've got more questions, either now or for next week's mailbag, my email (cbeazley@post-gazette.com) or my Twitter (@colin_beazley) is always open. I'll look forward to the next one.
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