Pirates hitters stand out in first week of Spring Training

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 6-2 after eight Grapefruit League games, and several hitters — including Nick Gonzales (.538) and Oneil Cruz (6-for-10) — have posted notable early numbers.

The Pittsburgh Pirates opened Grapefruit League play with eight games over seven days and sit 6-2. Spring Training brings together established players, roster hopefuls and minor-league prospects. Several hitters have posted notable early numbers through the first week. Those performances are being observed as the club moves toward the regular season. Notable early performances: - Nick Gonzales is 7-for-13 (.538) with a .538/.571/.615 slash line and an 1.186 OPS through the first week. - Oneil Cruz is 6-for-10, has scored four runs and stolen three bases, and is set to leave to represent the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic. - Jhostynxon García is 5-for-11 (.455) and has three stolen bases and four runs scored in Grapefruit League play. - A player identified as Johnson, a 2022 fourth overall pick who recently turned 18, is 5-for-9 with a double, a triple and three RBI in early spring action. - Other contributors include Bryan Reynolds (4-for-9), Nick Yorke (4-for-11), Brandon Lowe (3-for-6), Jake Mangum (4-for-12), Ryan O'Hearn (3-for-9) and Endy Rodríguez (3-for-8, one home run). Summary: The Pirates' 6-2 start reflects a balance of established players and prospects producing at the plate during early Grapefruit League games. Several players are using spring performance to make cases for roles, and Oneil Cruz will depart to play in the World Baseball Classic. Undetermined at this time.