PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – We saw the numbers David Bednar put up in Spring Training (18 strikeouts and no runs allowed). It caught your attention, but it's spring. It doesn't count. Thursday, it counted and the entire bullpen combined to shut down one of the most talented lineups in the league.
"Unbelievable," said Opening Day starter Chad Kuhl of the 11 strikeouts and one run allowed in six innings against the Cubs. "Each guy passing the torch. There's a lot of talent in that bullpen. Guys that have done it for a little while now. Some guys who are young and trying to stake a claim. Really impressive."
"They have been looking nasty all spring, so I wasn't surprised," said third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.
Wil Crowe gave up a run in 11.2 innings with 9 strikeouts in Grapefruit League play. Kyle Crick struck out 10 in 6.2 innings. Clay Holmes gave up no runs in nearly 10 innings with 8 strikeouts. Duane Underwood struck out 5 in 4 scoreless innings.
"They had an unbelievable spring," Kuhl said. "There's more guys, we have more guys who had unbelievable springs and didn't make the team. Really impressive from a lot of guys this spring and it continued."
"All the guys are great," Underwood said after coming over from the Cubs. "Bullpen coach, pitchers, catchers, staff. It's just been a great baseball environment. I'm enjoying myself."
Holmes dealt with injury last year and was designated for assignment after the 2020 season. He decided to return to learn more from people he said he could trust. It's also a diverse group, which Holmes says helps all.
"That's definitely ideal," Holmes said. "Even some of the sinkerballers we have in the bullpen, they're a little different, a couple different arm slots, the approach angles are so different."
"Coaches have done a great job where people just feel they can be themselves and go out and compete."
Pirates manager Derek Shelton said the bullpen this year is significant to their success as the starters continue to be built up. He has, not publicly at least, established roles yet amongst the group, but seems to have some options.
"I think we're going to see a bunch of guys pitch in different leverage situations," Shelton said. "The fact that our guys continue to get better and execute pitches makes it a more viable conversation of how we use those leverage situations."
"Whatever it takes to get wins," Underwood said. "I don't think there will be roles early, but whatever Shelty calls on us for, that's what I plan on doing. Whenever he calls my name, it's my job to be ready."
The bullpen has seven career major league saves, six by Richard Rodriguez. However much inexperience they have, it appears to be a strength of this team.
Given the questions around the starting rotation, it will have to be outstanding all year.
