Bubba Chandler Shines: Pirates Prospect Lives Up to Expectations
The young pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bubba Chandler, has proven his worth since his arrival on the team, exceeding generated expectations. Chandler led the Pirates to a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night, pitching four scoreless innings and earning his first MLB win, in his second game in the league.The right-hander went 6-foot-3-inches and allowed only one hit, struck out three batters and gave up one walk.“You see the talent. It’s electrifying. It’s elite,” commented Pirates manager Don Kelly.
Don Kelly
“The game gets easier when you don’t try to do too much,” Chandler said. “There have been times when I’ve tried to make a really good pitch and haven’t, so having a teammate like Henry (Davis) makes it easier, it just calms you down. I just try to fill the strike zone.”
Bubba Chandler
Chandler’s arrival has offered hope for Pittsburgh in a complicated season. He could join Paul Skenes in a potentially formidable rotation for the Pirates as early as next year. For now, Chandler is working from the bullpen to facilitate his transition to the majors, while the last-place Pirates closely monitor his innings.“He’s meeting the goals quickly,” Kelly said. “Four saves, four saves tonight. He did a great job.”
Don Kelly
Chandler entered Wednesday night’s game after starter Carmen Mlodzinski pitched three innings, allowing one run. After Chandler retired the side in order in the fourth, St. Louis put runners on first and second with one out in the fifth. Ivan Herrera flied out to center field on a 100.4 mph fastball and Alec Burleson struck out, ending the inning. Chandler hit Masyn Winn with a pitch with two outs in the sixth before retiring Thomas Saggese with a grounder to shortstop. Chandler also pitched a perfect seventh inning before being replaced by Isaac Mattson.“I’m just trying to stack days,” Chandler said. “The game is hard. It’s the big leagues for a reason. I’m just trying to be the best I can when I get called up.”
Bubba Chandler
Considered one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, Chandler went 5-6 with a 4.05 ERA in 24 starts for Triple-A Indianapolis before being promoted by the Pirates. The Georgia native was selected in the third round of the 2021 amateur draft.“He’s attacking the strike zone and going for it, and just letting his talent manifest itself,” Kelly said. “He doesn’t seem to be trying to do it. He’s just out there, he’s athletic, he’s that ‘bulldog’ that we know he is. I’m looking forward to him continuing to attack that way.”
Don Kelly
