PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – With Luis Ortiz struggling in his two starts in the majors this year, who is next up? A former Pirates number one pick as put a couple of solid starts together at AAA.
On Tuesday night, Quinn Priester gave up a run over seven innings with a walk and nine strikeouts in a win over Iowa. Those nine K's match his season-high on April 15 against St. Paul. Priester allowed only five hits on Tuesday following up on giving up two runs over six innings in his previous start and six shutout innings the start before that. After a rough first couple of outings, Priester is 3-0 in May with a 1.42 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and opponents are hitting .200 against him.
The 6'3" right-hander was the Bucs 2019 first-round pick out of high school and is just 22-years-old. There are positive feelings around the Pirates organization that Vince Velasquez, the Bucs second best starter this season, will be able to return from elbow discomfort after a rehab appearance. If he's not ready, Priester may be an option.
Endy dinger
The 2022 Honus Wagner Player of the Year (Pirates top minor leaguer) Endy Rodriguez hit his first home run since April 20th Tuesday night, nine of those days were spent on the injured list with a forearm issue. The switch-hitter is batting .245/.348 on-base percentage with four homers and 12 RBI in 94 at bats for the season.
2020 1st rounder hot
Second baseman Nick Gonzales has dealt with injury issues himself during his brief professional career. The 23-year-old right-handed hitter also homered Tuesday night and has a hit in every game this month. The 2020 first-round pick is hitting .351 in May including four multi-hit games, he's now at .284/.360 OBP for the season.
Smith-Njigba back
Outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba struggled after making the Bucs opening day roster and being sent back at the end of April. Just a few days ago hitting .129, but has five hits in his last nine at bats including a double and home run. The average for the left-handed outfielder is up to .237.
