At the start of Spring Training the biggest battle in Pirate camp was for the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation. When Grapefruit League play started this battle was between Drew Hutchison, Steven Brault, and Tyler Glasnow. However, Hutchison entered camp with a leg up.
Tyler Glasnow has proven this spring that he needs more time at Triple-A. And while Steven Brault has pitched very well, so has Hutchison. Due to Drew Hutchison already having a leg up and his performance this spring, Hutchison is locking up the fifth stater’s spot.
The reason Drew Hutchison started the spring with a leg up can be summed up in one word: experience.