The Pittsburgh Pirates have been in a ‘Rebuild Mode’ for quite some time now. Despite the below .500 Record, it’s finally starting to look like that Rebuild process is beginning to work.
When Ben Cherington took over in the Fall of 2019, he began building up the lower levels of the Minor League system. Cherington said this year the big focus would be on the higher levels and with the recent addition of the Young Buccos in the Majors, that goal is becoming a reality.
Monday night was evidence that Cherington’s plan is working. In his first game with the Pirates this Season and his third game overall in the Majors, Shortstop Oneil Cruz showed us all what he can do. The 23-year-old drove in 4 runs Monday night. In the 3rd Inning, Cruz hit a 3-Run double to deep center field that capped a 4-Run Third Inning, giving the Pirates a 7-0 lead. Pirates fans had been waiting for the 6-foot-7 Shortstop to take the Major League field. The wait proved to be worth it.
Bligh Madris also got the call up Monday from AAA with Cruz. In his Major League Debut, 26-year-old Madriss got 3 hits, which helped spark the Pirates to fly past the Cubs 12-1.
Another Young Bucco who is leading the way is Jack Suwinski. The 23-year old has 11 Homeruns, which ranks best among all MLB Rookies.
On Tuesday, the Young Battling Buccos helped out the Pirates again in a 7-1 Victory over the Cubs. The 22-year-old Roansy Contreras started on the mound and the Pirates have now won 3 in a row.
