Life on the fringe of a major league roster can be as exhausting as it is exhilarating. That’s particularly true at this time of year, as players move from spring camp to their new, northern homes.
For four first-year Pirates — outfielder Matt Joyce, infielder Cole Figueroa, left-handers Kyle Lobstein and Cory Luebke — spring training was an uncertain time. While Joyce learned March 29 he would be on the big-league roster, the other three didn’t officially find out their fates until April 2, the day before opening day, after the team’s afternoon exhibition game in Indianapolis.
“There’s definitely a lot more that goes into the process than most people realize,” Joyce said this week.