Oviedo closes in on roster
Righty a swingman from the bullpen?
BRADENTON, Fla. — It’s one of the biggest questions left to answer for the Pirates — and Johan Oviedo might’ve taken care of business during a 7-4 loss to the Red Sox on Thursday at LECOM Park with how dominant he was early on and how well he functioned while coming out of the bullpen.
The gigantic righty worked four innings. And in this case, it was actually more important how he started than finished because of the Pirates’ pitching situation. Pittsburgh’s starting rotation is seemingly set. For Oviedo to make the team, it’ll likely be in a swingman role out of the bullpen.
Which means, of course, they’d need Oviedo to do what he did Thursday: attack the strike zone from the start and get efficient outs.
“That’s something I’ve been working on: getting quick outs,” Oviedo said. “I feel like I executed my pitches really well.”
Oviedo’s best inning was easily the third, when he struck out second baseman Nick Yorke, center fielder Jarren Duran and first baseman Triston Casas on 12 pitches. Most effective for Oviedo in this one was by far his slider, which pairs well with his four-seam fastball.
Similar to other pitchers on staff, Oviedo can manipulate the arm angle of his slider and knows he’s best calibrated when he’s able to do so effectively. Especially when he can release it out front and blend everything effectively with his changeup, which was also outstanding against the Red Sox.
“The slider this spring has been more consistent,” Oviedo said. “But definitely [Thursday], it felt great.”
Oviedo probably doesn’t have anything to gain from beating up on Triple-A players. The Pirates would theoretically send him there so he stays stretched out as a starter. But if the Pirates can find a nontraditional way to deploy Oviedo, it would afford him a chance to stay around.
As far as Oviedo is concerned, the toughest part has probably been keeping his attention on baseball. He worked this offseason to move his family here from Cuba, and they’re staying with him in Bradenton. They’ll join him for the season, too, whether that’s in Indianapolis or Pittsburgh.
On the mound
Duane Underwood Jr. opened for the Pirates and fared fine. The two-run homer he allowed was actually on a curveball low in the zone. Third baseman Bobby Dalbec put a good swing on it.
Oviedo was electric early, retiring the first 10 men he faced, six via strikeout. The slider to designated hitter Ronaldo Hernandez was one he’ll want back, but it was only one pitch. Oviedo worked four innings and threw 40 of his 55 pitches for strikes.
At the plate
The first couple weeks of spring were tough on Ji Hwan Bae, although he seems to be making a late push. With two hits against the Red Sox, he now has two hits in three of his past five games, raising his average to .257. In the second inning, Bae fisted a 95 mph up-and-in sinker into center field, cutting Boston’s lead to 2- 1. Bae chopped a slow- rolling grounder to second in the fifth and used his speed to beat it out.
“The toe tap helps a lot with my two-strike approach,” Bae said. “I stayed on the ball with both hands. I’m trying.”
Up next
The Pirates will travel to Lakeland, Fla., on Friday for a night game against the Tigers. Roansy Contreras is expected to make his second start this spring.