Pirates Notebook: Kuwata puts up zero in debut
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Masumi Kuwata made his North American debut last night, pitching a scoreless fourth inning for the Pirates' Class AAA affiliate in Indianapolis. He gave up a single, struck out his next batter swinging, picked off his runner at first base, then finished it off with a flyout.
It all took 10 pitches.
Not bad, particularly given that those three Charlotte batters were the first Kuwata had faced in two months. He had been limited to bullpen sessions while rehabilitating his severely sprained right ankle in Bradenton, Fla.
So, what is next for the Pirates' first Japanese signing?
The immediate plan is to have him get regular work with Indianapolis, likely stretching him out to multiple innings to prepare him for long relief, if needed.
"We want him to get comfortable with the level of competition," director of player development Brian Graham said. "It's going to take him some innings out of the bullpen to do that, and we'll see about getting him into the rotation, if that's something that works. But for right now, he just needs to pitch."
From there?
Suffice it to say that, one, the Pirates had enough confidence in Kuwata to bypass lower levels of the minors in his rehabilitation route and, two, the Pirates have publicly declared their need for additional right-handed relief.
Pitcher Brazelton is signed
The Pirates signed right-handed starter Dewon Brazelton to a minor-league contract and will have him start out with Class AA Altoona. He will work out there for approximately two weeks "to get back into the shape," Graham said, before pitching for the Curve.
Brazelton, 26, was released April 27 by the Kansas City Royals, who had him pitching for their Class AAA affiliate in Omaha, Neb. In 43 big-league starts with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and San Diego Padres, he is 8-25 with a 6.38 ERA.
Clemens pushed back
The Pirates still are likely to face Roger Clemens when they visit Yankee Stadium next weekend. Only now, it appears it will be his 2007 debut.
Clemens reported a groin injury yesterday, prompting the New York Yankees to delay his debut from Monday in Chicago to some point in the series against the Pirates.
The Yankees' rotation for that weekend also should include Andy Pettitte and Tyler Clippard. The Pirates, barring a change, will go with Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm and former Yankees starter Shawn Chacon.
Buried treasure
Reliever Damaso Marte, held out of games Thursday and Friday because of a strained biceps muscle, threw a supervised bullpen session before the game and was made available to pitch last night.
Pitching coach Jim Colborn did extra work with struggling reliever Jonah Bayliss before the game in the bullpen. Bayliss went through his motion by using a towel rather than a ball -- less stress on the arm -- to iron out his delivery.
Reliever John Wasdin, on the disabled list since May 4 because of a sprained thumb, began a rehabilitation stint by starting for Indianapolis last night. He gave up two runs in three innings.
INDIANAPOLIS (32-22) beat Charlotte, 9-5. RHP John Wasdin (0-0, 6.00), making his first Class AAA rehabilitation appearance, allowed two runs and four hits in three innings. RHP Masumi Kuwata (0.00), making his North American debut, pitched a scoreless inning of relief with one hit and one strikeout. RHP Dan Kolb (2.76) allowed three runs and four hits in one inning. DH Jose Hernandez (.257) hit his fifth home run and went 3 for 3 with a walk and two RBIs.
ALTOONA (26-27) swept a doubleheader from Reading, 4-1 and 6-5. In the first game, RHP Kip Bouknight (5-2, 3.34) allowed one run in seven innings. In the nightcap, RHP Alay Soler (1-1, 4.26) allowed runs in innings. For the day, CF Andrew McCutchen (.234) went 5 for 7 with three runs. 1B Steve Pearce (.264) went 3 for 6 with a double and three RBIs. 3B Neil Walker (.288) went 2 for 4 with an RBI.
LYNCHBURG (27-26) lost at Winston-Salem, 9-8, in 12 innings. RHP Derek Hankins (6-2, 4.30) allowed four runs in five innings. RF Brad Corley (.211) went 2 for 5 with a double and three RBIs. 1B Jason Delaney (.357) went 2 for 5 with a double, a walk and two RBIs.
HICKORY (22-31) lost at Lexington, 8-3. RHP Jeff Sues (0-2, 15.75) allowed five runs in 4 2/3 innings. 1B Kent Sakamoto (.275) hit his fifth home run and went 2 for 4.
First Published June 2, 2007 11:53 pm
