GLENDALE, Ariz. — This time a year ago, few Pirates fans knew the name Steven Brault.
They had little reason to.
Brault had just finished his second season — and first full season — in Baltimore’s minor league system.
Then, in February, Brault’s path in professional baseball changed. He and fellow left-hander Stephen Tarpley were traded to the Pirates for veteran outfielder Travis Snider. Brault was excellent at high-Class A Bradenton and even better at Class AA Altoona.
“He was phenomenal,” Altoona pitching coach Justin Meccage said. “He got better every time out. And by the time the season finished, he put himself on the map.