ATLANTA -- Talking to Derek Shelton and members of the Pirates’ clubhouse, the word “exciting” often pops up when referring to the number of rookies currently on the major-league roster and in the starting lineup.
That inexperience has obvious drawbacks too, like Friday’s 4-2 loss to the Braves at Truist Park.
Five rookies started for the Pirates Friday: Roansy Contreras was on the mound, Cal Mitchell and Travis Swaggerty were in the corner outfield spots and Diego Castillo and Tucupita Marcano were the double-play combination.