Will Crowe Set for First Pirate Start in Finale With Twins
This off-season, General Manager Been Cherington made it a point to add to the future of this club by trading for high-upside prospects for the future. We already saw one of those prospects make their debut when Miguel Yajure got the start in game two of Wednesday's doubleheader. He did well enough, going 4.1 innings allowing four runs, but he was pitching great until running out of gas in the fifth inning. He was able to compete throughout the night, even though he suffered his first loss of the season. Now, the Pirates are relying on Wil Crowe to give them a similarly good start as they try to win their third straight series. However, this is not Crowe's first rodeo, as he got a few starts for the Washington Nationals last season.
What little time he did get on the mound last season was not good according to the start books. He only got to start in doubleheader games and went 0-2 with an 11.88 ERA over 8.1 innings spanning three starts. Crowe is just 26-years-old and was asked to step into a role after not having pitched in a live game in almost a year. However, he came into camp ready to go and had something to prove to the Pirates. He did just that, going 1-0 five games, one start, and pitching to an 0.77 ERA. The only pitcher hotter than him in Spring Training was Chase De Jong, and Crowe earned a spot on the Opening Day Roster. Today, we look at his first Pirate outing, and what he can do to have a successful start in his first Pirate start.
Slow Start In Relief
After such a strong showing in Spring Training 2021, the Pirates were excited to get Wil Crowe some regular-season reps. He made his Pirates debut on April 3rd, 2021, against the Chicago Cubs coming out of the bullpen. He lasted just 0.2 innings in the game and allowed a run on one hit while walking one and striking out two. It took him 33 pitches and two wild pitches, and he didn't even finish the inning. Michael Feliz had to come in in relief, and Crowe did not make a good first impression with his new team. He was shortly sent down after that and joined the alternate training site before joining the Taxi Squad last week. He hasn't pitched in a live game since that April 3rd contest and is looking to get back on track this next time out.
He was initially sent down to the alternate training site where he got to work with Brian Esposito and Joe Hanrahan to work on his mechanics. However, in that one appearance, he did show that he had a tendency to use his offspeed stuff more than his fastball. He used his slider more than half the time in that first outing, averaging 84.8 miles per hour. His change-up was his second most used pitch and came in at 81 mph. He did have his fastball, averaging 93 mph, that he used 17.9% of the time. His control was his biggest downfall throughout the outing, but he did have some positives to build off of. Because of his slower pitches, he was generating softer contact and giving his fielders chances to field the ball.
Only one ball was put in play the entire outing, and it was on the ground, but unfortunately, it was his control that would doom him. He was sent down to the alternate training site after the game when Kyle Crick made his way back to the roster. He worked with Brian Esposito and Joel Hanrahan on his mechanics, and something clicked as he was called up to the taxis squad last week. When the Pirates had an Opening, it was between Yajure, who pitched Wednesday, and Crowe for the start. With Yajure on short rest, the choice was very clear that the Pirates would choose Crowe for the outing. It is a chance for him to show the struggles of the first outing are behind him, and that he can be a quality arm for this Pirates team.
Long-Term Implications
The fact that the Pirates are going to have to make a roster move for Sunday's starter instead of using the bullpen gives me some concern for Kuhl's health long-term. You would think if he was only going to miss a start or two, they would go with a guy like Sean Poppen in the bullpen. However, the fact that they are willing to make a roster move makes me think that Kuhl's injury might keep him out more than one turn through the rotation. This means that Crowe, the Pirates #22 overall prospect, might get more of an extended look on the mound. As one of the pieces kn the Josh Bell trade, there are high expectations set for the 26-year-old.
He hasn't pitched in a live game since April 3rd, so he will probably be under a pitch count throughout today's start. Except him to go three or four innings, then use a guy like Sean Poppen behind him to bridge the gap to the back-end of the bullpen. For Crowe, as long as he can stay around the zone, his stuff is going to allow him to get outs throughout the game. This is a stacked Minnesota Twins lineup, and if he can keep the ball on the ground, it will limit the power that this lineup can show. This is an important game for the Pirates as they try to get back to .500, and Crowe will be the one tasked with leading them to their third straight series victory.
The Pittsburgh Pirates (10-11) wrap up their series with the Minnesota Twins (7-12) this afternoon at 2:10 pm. Wil Crowe (0-0, 13.50) takes the hill for the Pirates in his first start against Matt Shoemaker (1-1, 6.28). You can watch the game on AT&T Sportsnet or listen on 93.7 The Fan.
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