(Featured photo by Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)
Spencer Horwitz just checked off an important box on the journey to making his Pittsburgh Pirates debut.
The 27-year-old started a rehab assignment today with Pittsburgh’s Double-A affiliate, the Altoona Curve. Batting lead off and playing his native first base, Horwitz earned a walk in his first plate appearance and notched a single in his second. Altoona had Brenden Dixon pinch hit for him in the sixth; Horwitz was expected to be taken out later in the game, given it was his first in-game action in months.
Horwitz was the organization’s big trade acquisition during the winter as they tried to bulk up their anemic offense. He came at a hefty price, costing Pirates general manager Ben Cherington starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (whose 3.1 bWAR ranked third on the team last year), and lefty pitching prospects Michael Kennedy and Josh Hartle.
Horwitz’s biggest selling point was his contract. For an organization that refuses to spend top dollar in free agency, finding a player under cheap team control was their dream find.
Subscribe to continue reading
Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.
Fifth Avenue Sports 