A little over a year after being drafted by the Pirates in the third round out of high school — and ultimately paid a $3 million bonus to sign — Bubba Chandler made his pitching debut for the Bradenton Marauders.
Chandler went 2.2 innings on Friday night, allowing four runs on four hits, with four strikeouts and three walks.
This follows 15.1 shutout innings in the Florida Complex League, which also came with some control issues. Chandler is a raw athlete who is getting his first experience exclusively as a baseball player. Aside from pitching, this includes time at the plate as a designated hitter.