Pirates to put Melky Cabrera, Francisco Liriano on Opening Day roster

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Pirates to put Melky Cabrera, Francisco Liriano on Opening Day roster

Kevin Gorman | Saturday, March 23, 2019 11:15 a.m.

Lynne Sladky | AP

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Melky Cabrera grounds out in the fourth inning with the runner Kevin Newman advancing to third in the fourth inning during a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, in Clearwater, Fla.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have committed to outfielder Melky Cabrera and left-handed pitcher Francisco Liriano making their Opening Day roster.

Saturday was the deadline for the Pirates to make that decision, per the retention bonus protocol.

The 34-year-old Cabrera, a career .280 hitter, is expected to serve as their fourth outfielder. He has slashed .310/.341/.381 with two doubles and two RBIs in 15 games this spring.

The 35-year-old Liriano, who was 41-36 with a 3.67 ERA as a starter for the Pirates from 2013-15, will work out of the bullpen. He has allowed five runs (all earned) on seven hits, with eight strikeouts and nine walks in 9 2/3 innings, with opponents batting .194 in nine spring appearances.

Both veterans were non-roster invitees to the major-league camp, so the Pirates will need to make moves to create a spot on their 40-man roster.

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