Pirates/MLB category, Page 205

Jameson Taillon remains about 18 months away from pitching in a spring training game. But the long road back from Tommy John surgery began for the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher. “ ‘Jamo’ is eight days post-(surgery),” Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said, “and he had a nice landmark yesterday,...

Clint Hurdle speculated Wednesday afternoon that in the absence of any roster moves, the Pittsburgh Pirates would have had only three bullpen arms available for that night’s game against the Washington Nationals. So the Pirates brought in some reinforcements: right-handers Dario Agrazal and Parker Markel were recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis....

A day after leaving his outing because of shoulder discomfort, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Chris Archer was examined by physicians, who recommended rest. “We will reassess in about 7 -10 days,” Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday. “Chris will remain with the club and continue his conditioning program...

Wednesday’s “First Call” features a potential answer as to why Antonio Brown is so bent out of shape over his helmet issue. A Little Leaguer calls out Pittsburgh Pirates attendance on live television. Baker Mayfield goes scorched earth. Starling Marte flashes his skill. And one ex-Pirate robs another. He never...

It’s time for this week’s edition of “U mad, bro?” Many of you certainly are. You are mad at Antonio Brown, Rod Woodson, Neal Huntington and everyone else in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Even Quentin Tarantino is catching heat this week. Robert is beside himself, suffering through the poor play...

INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 61-65) was postponed because of rain. The game is to be made up Wednesday. Next: Wednesday at Toledo (Tigers), 6:35 p.m. ••• ALTOONA (Double-A, 63-64) lost 5-4 to Hartford (Rockies). RHP Blake Cederlind (5-1, 1.77 ERA) was tabbed with the defeat and blew a save opportunity after walking...

It’s tough to determine whose season has turned more nightmarish — the Pittsburgh Pirates’ or veteran starter Chris Archer’s. Each took a further turn for the worse Tuesday when Archer left his start after one inning because of injury. The reason the team gave for Archer’s removal was “right shoulder...

In part because of injuries and partly because of poor performances commensurate with a last-place team, the Pittsburgh Pirates have used 48 players this season. So when rosters expand Sept. 1, there might not be many unfamiliar faces in their clubhouse. “You have probably seen most of them,” manager Clint...

The Pittsburgh Pirates keep cycling through their suspensions relating to the brawl with the Cincinnati Reds late last month. With infielder/outfielder Jose Osuna eligible to return to the active roster in time for Tuesday’s home game against the Washington Nationals, reliever Kyle Crick will begin to serve his three-game suspension....

In “First Call” Tuesday, Rod Woodson is critical of one of his former teams. But is it the right one? Some in the national media are ramping up the criticism of Antonio Brown. And Bill Madlock jokes about getting back into baseball. Maybe the Pirates should re-sign him and bat...

After a while, it gets tuned out. When Pittsburgh Pirates management waxes optimistic about good times ahead, it turns to white noise. With only four winning seasons since 1993, you build a filter. But please jot down this pearl from general manager Neal Huntington so you can have it ready...

INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 61-65) lost 12-4 to Toledo (Tigers). LHP Brandon Waddell (2-6, 9.24 with Indianapolis) was responsible for the defeat after giving up four earned runs, seven total, in two innings with two strikeouts, three walks and six hits allowed. CF Jason Martin (.266) went 2 for 4 from the...

Chad Kuhl stepped back onto the pitching mound last week in what can be considered an encouraging sign 11 months after Tommy John surgery. “I’ve been on the mound for a couple weeks now,” said Kuhl, who was back at PNC Park on Monday as part of his recovery. He...

When someone mentioned to Clint Hurdle on Monday afternoon that baseball is a difficult game to figure out, he enjoyed a good laugh. Which is probably a good thing for a manager to do occasionally when his team has lost 27 of 34 games. “There’s some wisdom there,” he said,...

Roberto Clemente would have turned 85 this past Sunday. If he’s not the best player in Pirates history, he’s definitely the most revered and rightly so. Clemente oozed class and poise, conducting himself in forthright fashion. His plane crashed while on a mission of charity, further sanctifying him in the...

The Pittsburgh Pirates will open their 33-game spring training schedule Feb. 22 at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Fla., against the Minnesota Twins. The schedule includes a total of nine opposing teams, including the Twins, Phillies, Orioles, Tigers, Blue Jays, Braves, Rays, Yankees and Red Sox. The Yankees and Red Sox...

Mark Madden of 105.9 the X joins us from Las Vegas this week for “Madden Monday.” Since he is there, one of the topics we examine is if that city is truly ready for the Antonio Brown experience after the Raiders bolt from Oakland. Then again, if any place is...

WILLIAMSPORT — Jose Quintana pitched seven crisp innings, Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run homer and the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 7-1, on Sunday night in the MLB Little League Classic. Nicholas Castellanos and Jason Heyward also connected as Chicago earned its second straight win since consecutive heartbreaking losses...

When asked about the culture in his clubhouse, Clint Hurdle made two points: • If there’s a confrontation, he said he won’t back down from it. • Heated conversations happen in big league clubhouses “way more than you have any clue about.” In the wake of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ epic...

INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 60-62) lost 8-4 in eight innings to Lehigh Valley (Phillies) in Game 1 of a doubleheader. The second game ran late. The Indians led 4-2 after one inning before giving up two runs in the third inning and four in the eighth. 1B Will Craig (.253) hit a...

On a night when the Pittsburgh Pirates proved there’s still some fight left in a last-place team, Joe Musgrove thought it was time. It was time to put a foot down on the mound, which he did while helping carry the Pirates to a 3-2 victory Friday against the Chicago...