BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Ke'Bryan Hayes thought the call might come last September with the Pittsburgh Pirates in a free fall. It didn't and, yeah, it bothered the third base prospect more than a little.“I just used it as motivation for this offseason going back home," Hayes said recently. "They told me what they wanted me to work on so, just went home, prepared for this year.”Namely, fine-tuning his approach at the plate after his sprint through the minors stalled a bit last summer at Triple-A Indianapolis. His .263 batting average was the lowest of his still young professional career as he ran into pitchers who — like Hayes — were on the cusp. His strikeout total ticked up. His walks ticked down. His patience was tested.“It's just learning to hit hard/soft,” Hayes said. “To hit 95 mph fastballs and then hit breaking balls because they were throwing them in weird counts, because they were trying to get to the major leagues too.”The work Hayes put in over the offseason is showing promising... [More]

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — The smile never seemed to leave Derek Shelton’s face as he walked from one practice field to another while watching the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitchers and catchers go through their first spring training workout.Shelton was hired as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Nov. 27. However, it didn’t feel quite real until Wednesday.“It was cool,” said Shelton, with a smile. “I’ve been waiting a long time to be out here. It was a little bit emotional.”Shelton spent the previous 15 seasons as a coach with the Cleveland Indians, Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins. He was Rocco Baldelli’s bench coach last year when Minnesota won the AL Central. Shelton replaces Clint Hurdle, who was fired on the final day of last season after a nine-year tenure. The Pirates had a 69-93 record and finished last in the NL Central for the first time since 2010.The first day was even more special for Shelton with father Ron watching the workout from along one of the foul lines. Ron Shelton... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Catcher Elias Diaz became a free agent after the Pittsburgh Pirates declined to offer him a contract for the 2020 season on Monday.The 29-year-old Diaz inherited the starting job last season while Francisco Cervelli dealt with a concussion before being released in August. Diaz hit .241 with two home runs and 28 RBIs in 101 games while splitting time with Jacob Stallings. Diaz struggled defensively. His 12 errors led all National League catchers and his eight passed balls ranked fifth.The Pirates did agree to a $725,000, one-year contract with shortstop Erik Gonzalez. He hit .254 with one home run and six RBIs in his first season in Pittsburgh in 2019.Gonzalez missed more than three months after fracturing his collarbone during a collision with center fielder Starling Marte in April.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Catcher Elias Diaz will not return to the Pittsburgh Pirates after the club declined to offer him a contract for the 2020 season Monday.The 29-year-old Diaz inherited the starting job last season while Francisco Cervelli dealt with a concussion before being released in August. Diaz hit .241 with two home runs and 28 RBIs in 101 games while splitting time with Jacob Stallings. Diaz struggled defensively. His 12 errors led all National League catchers and his eight passed balls ranked fifth.The Pirates did sign shortstop Erik Gonzalez to a 2020 contract. Gonzalez hit .254 with one home run and six RBIs in his first season in Pittsburgh in 2019. He missed more than three months after fracturing his collarbone during a collision with center fielder Starling Marte in April.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pirates’ leadership overhaul is complete.Pittsburgh hired longtime major league coach Derek Shelton as manager on Wednesday, the final piece of a new-look leadership following a last-place finish in the NL Central. Shelton replaces Clint Hurdle, who was fired on the final day of the regular season.“We are confident Derek will help lead an elite playing and coaching environment at the major league level and be a true partner to all of baseball operations as we challenge each other to get better every day,” Pittsburgh general manager Ben Cherington said in a statement.Shelton was the third high-profile hire by the Pirates since the end of a 69-93 season marred by issues both on and off the field. Travis Williams replaced Frank Coonelly as president in October. The team brought in Cherington this month after Neal Huntington was let go after 12 years on the job.Shelton filled the eighth and final manager vacancy, joining Joe Maddon (Los Angeles Angels), Joe Girardi (Philadelphia),... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pirates’ leadership overhaul is complete.Pittsburgh hired longtime major league coach Derek Shelton as manager on Wednesday, the final piece of a new-look leadership following a last-place finish in the NL Central. Shelton replaces Clint Hurdle, who was fired on the final day of the regular season.“We are confident Derek will help lead an elite playing and coaching environment at the major league level and be a true partner to all of baseball operations as we challenge each other to get better every day,” Pittsburgh general manager Ben Cherington said in a statement.Shelton was the third high-profile hire by the Pirates since the end of a 69-93 season marred by issues both on and off the field. Travis Williams replaced Frank Coonelly as president in October. The team brought in Cherington this month after Neal Huntington was let go after 12 years on the job.Shelton filled the eighth and final manager vacancy, joining Joe Maddon (Los Angeles Angels), Joe Girardi (Philadelphia),... [More]

Reds second. Josh VanMeter lines out to center field to Pablo Reyes. Phillip Ervin grounds out to shortstop, Kevin Newman to Jose Osuna. Tucker Barnhart homers to right field. Jose Iglesias grounds out to third base, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Reds 1, Pirates 0.Pirates second. Jose Osuna singles to left field. Kevin Kramer walks. Jose Osuna to second. Jake Elmore flies out to center field to Phillip Ervin. Jose Osuna to third. Erik Gonzalez grounds out to shortstop, Jose Iglesias to Joey Votto. Kevin Kramer to third. Steve Baron doubles to deep left field. Kevin Kramer scores. James Marvel grounds out to third base, Eugenio Suarez to Joey Votto.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Pirates 2, Reds 1.Reds fourth. Phillip Ervin doubles to left field. Tucker Barnhart grounds out to third base, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna. Phillip Ervin to third. Jose Iglesias singles to shallow center field. Phillip Ervin scores. Brian O'Grady lines out to shortstop to Kevin... [More]

Reds first. Jose Peraza doubles to deep left field. Phillip Ervin walks. Eugenio Suarez called out on strikes. Aristides Aquino doubles to deep right field. Phillip Ervin to third. Jose Iglesias grounds out to third base, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna. Aristides Aquino to third. Phillip Ervin scores. Curt Casali strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Reds 2, Pirates 0.Reds fifth. Alex Blandino walks. Jose Peraza singles to center field, advances to 2nd. Alex Blandino to third. Phillip Ervin singles to center field. Jose Peraza scores. Alex Blandino scores. Eugenio Suarez strikes out swinging. Aristides Aquino strikes out swinging. Jose Iglesias lines out to center field to Pablo Reyes.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Reds 4, Pirates 0.Pirates fifth. Erik Gonzalez singles to center field. Steven Brault singles to right field, advances to 2nd. Erik Gonzalez to third. Fielding error by Eugenio Suarez. Kevin Newman homers to left field. Steven Brault scores. Erik Gonzalez... [More]

Pirates first. Kevin Newman flies out to right field to Ian Happ. Adam Frazier lines out to center field to Albert Almora Jr.. Melky Cabrera singles to left field. Jose Osuna singles to right center field. Melky Cabrera to third. Pablo Reyes triples to deep center field. Jose Osuna scores. Melky Cabrera scores. Jacob Stallings grounds out to third base, David Bote to Victor Caratini.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Pirates 2, Cubs 0.Pirates third. Kevin Newman singles to center field. Adam Frazier singles to center field. Kevin Newman to second. Melky Cabrera strikes out swinging. Jose Osuna doubles to deep right field. Adam Frazier scores. Kevin Newman scores. Fielding error by Robel Garcia. Pablo Reyes singles to right field, advances to 2nd. Jose Osuna out at home. Jacob Stallings singles to center field. Pablo Reyes scores. Jake Elmore grounds out to shallow infield, Jose Quintana to Victor Caratini.3 runs, 5 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Pirates 5, Cubs 0.Pirates fifth. Adam Frazier... [More]

Cubs second. Kyle Schwarber lines out to right field to Jake Elmore. Willson Contreras triples to deep left center field. Ian Happ singles to right field. Willson Contreras scores. Jason Heyward strikes out swinging. Nico Hoerner reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Ian Happ out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 1, Pirates 0.Pirates fourth. Adam Frazier singles to center field. Jose Osuna reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Adam Frazier out at second. Pablo Reyes strikes out swinging. Erik Gonzalez doubles to deep left field, advances to 3rd. Jose Osuna scores. Jake Elmore singles to left field. Erik Gonzalez scores. Steve Baron singles to center field. Jake Elmore to third. Dario Agrazal strikes out swinging.2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Pirates 2, Cubs 1.Cubs seventh. Ian Happ homers to center field. Jason Heyward reaches on error. Fielding error by Erik Gonzalez. Nico Hoerner reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Jason Heyward out at second.... [More]

Cubs fourth. Ian Happ singles to right center field. Jason Heyward reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow right field. Ian Happ out at second. Nico Hoerner doubles to deep right center field. Jason Heyward scores. Kyle Hendricks strikes out swinging. Anthony Rizzo grounds out to first base to Jose Osuna.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 1, Pirates 0.Pirates seventh. Adam Frazier doubles to center field. Jose Osuna singles to shallow center field. Adam Frazier to third. Colin Moran singles to left field. Jose Osuna to second. Adam Frazier scores. Jacob Stallings singles to right center field. Colin Moran to second. Jose Osuna to third. Kevin Kramer doubles to deep right field. Jacob Stallings to third. Colin Moran scores. Jose Osuna scores. Erik Gonzalez reaches on error. Kevin Kramer scores. Jacob Stallings scores. Fielding error by Ben Zobrist. Pablo Reyes pinch-hitting for Francisco Liriano. Pablo Reyes singles to right field. Erik Gonzalez to second. Kevin Newman reaches on... [More]

Brewers second. Lorenzo Cain grounds out to shortstop, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna. Ben Gamel grounds out to shallow infield, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna. Orlando Arcia homers to center field. David Freitas pinch-hitting for Brandon Woodruff. David Freitas singles to right field. Trent Grisham flies out to center field to Bryan Reynolds.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Brewers 1, Pirates 0.Brewers fourth. Eric Thames homers to center field. Lorenzo Cain called out on strikes. Ben Gamel strikes out swinging. Orlando Arcia grounds out to third base, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Pirates 0.Brewers sixth. Mike Moustakas pops out to shortstop to Erik Gonzalez. Keston Hiura singles to right field. Eric Thames homers to center field. Keston Hiura scores. Lorenzo Cain walks. Ben Gamel strikes out swinging. Orlando Arcia grounds out to third base, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Brewers 4, Pirates 0.Pirates eighth. Pablo... [More]

Pirates first. Kevin Newman flies out to center field to Lorenzo Cain. Bryan Reynolds grounds out to shallow infield, Zach Davies to Eric Thames. Adam Frazier singles to deep right field. Jose Osuna singles to center field. Adam Frazier to second. Colin Moran reaches on error. Jose Osuna to second. Adam Frazier scores. Fielding error by Keston Hiura. Elias Diaz flies out to deep left field to Ryan Braun.1 run, 2 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. Pirates 1, Brewers 0.Brewers first. Trent Grisham grounds out to first base to Jose Osuna. Yasmani Grandal singles to center field. Mike Moustakas lines out to deep right field to Kevin Kramer. Keston Hiura homers to center field. Yasmani Grandal scores. Ryan Braun grounds out to third base, Colin Moran to Jose Osuna.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Pirates 1.Brewers fourth. Ryan Braun singles to left field. Eric Thames hit by pitch. Ryan Braun to second. Lorenzo Cain singles to center field. Eric Thames to second. Ryan Braun scores. Orlando... [More]

Brewers first. Lorenzo Cain walks. Yasmani Grandal strikes out swinging. Mike Moustakas singles to left field. Lorenzo Cain scores. Ryan Braun doubles to deep right center field. Mike Moustakas to third. Keston Hiura strikes out swinging. Hernan Perez reaches on error to shortstop, advances to 2nd. Ryan Braun scores. Mike Moustakas scores. Throwing error by Kevin Newman. Manny Pina strikes out swinging.3 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Brewers 3, Pirates 0.Brewers sixth. Yasmani Grandal walks. Mike Moustakas singles to left field. Yasmani Grandal to second. Ryan Braun called out on strikes. Keston Hiura singles to center field. Mike Moustakas to second. Yasmani Grandal scores. Trent Grisham pinch-hitting for Hernan Perez. Trent Grisham walks. Cory Spangenberg to second. Mike Moustakas to third. Manny Pina hit by pitch. Trent Grisham to second. Cory Spangenberg to third. Mike Moustakas scores. Orlando Arcia strikes out swinging. Ben Gamel pinch-hitting for Chase Anderson. Ben Gamel walks.... [More]

Mariners second. Austin Nola called out on strikes. Daniel Vogelbach walks. Tim Lopes doubles to deep right center field. Daniel Vogelbach to third. Donnie Walton reaches on error. Tim Lopes to third. Daniel Vogelbach scores. Throwing error by Cole Tucker. Braden Bishop singles to center field. Donnie Walton to second. Tim Lopes scores. Yusei Kikuchi reaches on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield. Braden Bishop to second. Donnie Walton to third. Fielding error by Joe Musgrove. Shed Long singles to right field. Yusei Kikuchi to second. Braden Bishop scores. Donnie Walton scores. Mallex Smith grounds out to second base. Shed Long out at second.4 runs, 3 hits, 2 errors, 1 left on. Mariners 4, Pirates 0.Pirates second. Colin Moran doubles to deep right center field. Elias Diaz doubles to left field. Colin Moran scores. Cole Tucker strikes out swinging. Jake Elmore doubles to center field. Elias Diaz scores. Erik Gonzalez lines out to left field to Braden Bishop. Joe Musgrove doubles to deep... [More]

Mariners second. Kyle Seager singles to shortstop. Kyle Lewis lines out to deep center field to Bryan Reynolds. Tom Murphy walks. Kyle Seager to second. Dee Gordon lines out to deep left field to Erik Gonzalez. Dylan Moore doubles to deep left field. Tom Murphy scores. Kyle Seager scores. Justin Dunn called out on strikes.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mariners 2, Pirates 0.Mariners fourth. Kyle Seager flies out to center field to Bryan Reynolds. Kyle Lewis homers to right field. Tom Murphy homers to center field. Dee Gordon singles to center field. Dylan Moore strikes out swinging. Dee Gordon out at second.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Mariners 4, Pirates 0.Pirates eighth. Erik Gonzalez grounds out to shallow infield to Tom Murphy. Cole Tucker pinch-hitting for Yacksel Rios. Cole Tucker triples to deep right field. Kevin Newman grounds out to third base, Kyle Seager to Austin Nola. Cole Tucker scores. Bryan Reynolds grounds out to shallow infield, Anthony Bass to Austin Nola.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Mariners 4, Pirates 1.

Cubs first. Anthony Rizzo walks. Nicholas Castellanos doubles to deep left field. Anthony Rizzo to third. Kris Bryant homers to center field. Nicholas Castellanos scores. Anthony Rizzo scores. Kyle Schwarber pops out to shallow left field to Erik Gonzalez. Ben Zobrist flies out to right field to Jose Osuna. Victor Caratini singles to center field. Jason Heyward lines out to deep right field to Jose Osuna.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 3, Pirates 0.Pirates third. Erik Gonzalez doubles to left center field. Trevor Williams singles to shallow infield. Erik Gonzalez to third. Kevin Newman singles to center field. Trevor Williams to second. Erik Gonzalez scores. Bryan Reynolds doubles to deep left field. Kevin Newman to third. Trevor Williams scores. Pablo Reyes singles to right center field. Bryan Reynolds scores. Kevin Newman scores. Jose Osuna grounds out to shallow infield, Kris Bryant to Ian Happ. Pablo Reyes to second. Elias Diaz walks. Colin Moran singles to right field. Elias... [More]

Cubs second. Ben Zobrist singles to left field. Jason Heyward reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Ben Zobrist out at second. Nico Hoerner singles to right field. Jason Heyward to third. Kyle Hendricks out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Elias Diaz to Adam Frazier. Nico Hoerner to second. Anthony Rizzo hit by pitch. Nicholas Castellanos doubles to deep left field. Anthony Rizzo scores. Nico Hoerner scores. Jason Heyward scores. Kris Bryant singles to right field. Nicholas Castellanos scores. Kyle Schwarber grounds out to second base, Kevin Newman to Jose Osuna.4 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 4, Pirates 0.Cubs third. Willson Contreras strikes out swinging. Ben Zobrist homers to center field. Jason Heyward pops out to shallow left field to Colin Moran. Nico Hoerner grounds out to second base, Adam Frazier to Jose Osuna.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 5, Pirates 0.Pirates fourth. Jose Osuna singles to second base. Adam Frazier singles to right field. Jose... [More]

Giants first. Mike Yastrzemski walks. Buster Posey out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna. Mike Yastrzemski to second. Brandon Belt singles to shortstop. Mike Yastrzemski to third. Evan Longoria singles to shallow center field. Brandon Belt to second. Mike Yastrzemski scores. Kevin Pillar strikes out swinging. Brandon Crawford grounds out to second base, Kevin Newman to Jose Osuna.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Giants 1, Pirates 0.Pirates fifth. Jacob Stallings homers to left field. Cole Tucker grounds out to third base, Evan Longoria to Brandon Belt. Erik Gonzalez singles to left field. Trevor Williams reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Erik Gonzalez out at second. Kevin Newman lines out to first base to Brandon Belt.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Pirates 1, Giants 1.Giants fifth. Mauricio Dubon singles to left field. Madison Bumgarner strikes out on a foul bunt. Mike Yastrzemski walks. Mauricio Dubon to second. Buster Posey strikes... [More]

Marlins first. Miguel Rojas flies out to center field to Bryan Reynolds. Isan Diaz grounds out to second base, Cole Tucker to Josh Bell. Starlin Castro doubles to right field. Garrett Cooper doubles to right field. Starlin Castro scores. Jorge Alfaro walks. Lewis Brinson strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Marlins 1, Pirates 0.Pirates first. Adam Frazier flies out to deep center field to Lewis Brinson. Bryan Reynolds reaches on error. Fielding error by Miguel Rojas. Colin Moran hit by pitch. Bryan Reynolds to second. Josh Bell singles to center field. Colin Moran to second. Bryan Reynolds scores. Jose Osuna grounds out to shortstop. Josh Bell out at second.1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 left on. Marlins 1, Pirates 1.Pirates fourth. Cole Tucker flies out to left field to Austin Dean. Jacob Stallings walks. Trevor Williams strikes out on a foul bunt. Adam Frazier triples to deep right field. Jacob Stallings scores. Bryan Reynolds grounds out to second base, Isan Diaz to Garrett... [More]