Two players were noticeably missing from the beginning of Spring Training for the Pirates, as Andrew McCutchen and Joshua Palacios were rehabbing injuries. This week however saw the return of the two players, who are both on very different paths ahead of the regular season.
Palacios is a fringe Major Leaguer at this point in his career, and it’s probably concerning for him to miss the beginning of Spring Ball, as he is absolutely in competition for a roster spot. Last year saw the 28-year old outfielder spend time back and forth between Triple-A Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, but when he was with the Pirates, he seemed to have a knack for showing up in big moments.