Pirates Weekly: Gregory Polanco Gets New Deal, Gerrit Cole Set To Debut

The Pittsburgh Pirates have plenty going on as they shape up for the 2016 MLB season.

While signing one of their up-and-coming stars to a new deal was the highlight of the week gone by, there were several important player updates with final roster cuts looming. Going forward, the Bucs will look to put an Opening Day loss to the St. Louis Cardinals behind them and reassert their dominance in the NL Central. Here is the Pirates Weekly update. 

Last Week
After a competitive spring training, Pittsburgh had several difficult roster decisions on its hands. On March 30, the Bucs' final rotation spot went to Juan Nicasio, while newly acquired Ryan Vogelsong was designated for longman duties. A day later, pitchers Cory Luebke and Kyle Lobstein were also locked into bullpen roles. The last place on the roster went to infielder Cole Figueroa, who beat out fellow infielders Jason Rogers and Pedro Florimon.

The Pirates lost their first game of the season to the Cardinals on Sunday despite a 10-strikeout start from Francisco Liriano, falling 4-1. But the big news of the week was Gregory Polanco's five-year extension, which the team officially announced on Tuesday. The outfielder's deal is worth at least $35 million over five years.

What's Next?
The Pirates wrap up their series with St. Louis on Wednesday, with Nicasio making his first start of the season opposite new Cardinal Mike Leake. Liriano will take on Alfredo Simon in the Bucs' opener against the Cincinatti Reds on Friday before giving way to Gerrit Cole in Game 2. Cole has been rehabbing a rib injury in the minors, but should be healthy enough to make his first start of the season. 

What They're Saying
Polanco's deal is great for Pirates, fans (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Bucs taking innovative approach with bullpen (MLB.com)
The Pirates got a discount with Polanco (SB Nation)

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Related Topics: Francisco Liriano, Pirates News, Gerrit Cole, Pirates Rumors, Gregory Polanco