Pirates sign 4th-round pick, update coaches’ 2020 roles

The Pirates continue to make progress in signing all of their selections from the 2020 MLB draft.

On Monday, they announced their fourth-round pick, right-hander Jack Hartman, signed his deal with the Pirates.

Hartman played his junior and senior seasons at Appalachian State, where he became a reliable reliever.

In the shortened 2020 season, he accrued 4 saves, a 3.00 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 10 appearances, improving off of the 2019 season in which he threw 26 strikeouts in 20 appearances.

Before his time with the Mountaineers, Hartman was primarily a position player at the College of Central Florida his sophomore season and Tallahassee Community College his freshman year.

“Jack hasn’t been pitching for very long but already shows very promising stuff with a fastball/slider combination that we believe has a chance to be very effective at the professional level,” Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said.

“He’s a strong, physical pitcher with strong character and work ethic. We look forward to working with Jack in a Pirates uniform.”

Hartman’s signing adds to those of first-round pick Nick Gonzales and fifth -rounder Logan Hofmann. Carmen Mlodzinski, Jared Jones and Nick Garcia, the competitive balance, secondround and third-round picks, respectively, have yet to sign.

After releasing their 59man summer camp roster Sunday, the Pirates released an updated version of it on Monday, with extra coaching assignments added in.

Baseball operations special assistants Jamey Carroll and Scott Elarton, along with infield coordinator Gary Green will join the Pirates coaching staff in Pittsburgh.

Minor league managers Brian Esposito (Class AAA Indianapolis), Joel Hanrahan (Class AA Altoona) and Miguel Perez (Class A Greensboro) will be joined by Altoona hitting coach Jon Nunnally in Altoona, coaching the alternate training site roster, otherwise known as the ‘taxi squad.’

Diamondbacks

Right-hander Mike Leake is one of the first players to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus. “During this global pandemic, Mike and his family had many discussions about playing this season,” Leake’s agent, Danny Horwits, said. “After thorough consideration, he has chosen to opt out of playing in 2020.”

Nationals

Longtime infielder Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher

Joe Ross have elected not to play this season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. General manager Mike Rizzo said Zimmerman and Ross are opting out for the safety of themselves and their families. “We are 100% supportive of their decision to not play this year,” Rizzo said.

Blue Jays

MLB is close to winning approval to play in Toronto amid the pandemic, the premier of Ontario said. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said city, provincial and federal authorities “kind of gave their approval,” but the team is waiting for a letter of support from the federal government.

Twins

Citing health and safety concerns related to the pandemic, Minnesota will not allow bullpen coach Bob McClure and major league coach Bill Evers to work games this year.

Athletics

Left-handed hitting catcher Tyler Soderstrom, selected 26th by Oakland in the draft, agreed to a minor league contract with a $3.3 million signing bonus.

Cardinals

Young relievers Kodi Whitley and Johan Oviedo were significant non-roster additions to the 44-man roster which will begin drills Friday at Busch Stadium.