Pirates Select Starting Pitcher for Spring Breakout Game
The Pittsburgh Pirates will send top pitching prospect Seth Hernandez to start a marquee end-of-spring exhibition. He gets the nod for the Spring Breakout Game against the Detroit Tigers on March 20.
Game details
The matchup is at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m., and MLB Network will televise the contest.
Why the club chose him
Hernandez is the Pirates’ top-rated pitching prospect on the Spring Breakout roster. He is the second-highest ranked pitcher in the organization, behind Bubba Chandler.
- MLB Pipeline ranks him 29th among prospects.
- Baseball America lists him at 38th.
- ESPN places him at 49th.
Background and draft
The Pirates selected Hernandez with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. He was taken out of Corona High School in Corona, California.
Pitching arsenal
Hernandez is a right-handed pitcher whose fastball can reach 100 mph. His changeup sits in the high 80s and shows notable movement. He also mixes a slider and a curveball to keep hitters off balance.
What to watch
The club selected their starting pitcher for the Spring Breakout showcase to give fans a clear look at a future rotation piece. The outing will serve as an early barometer for Hernandez’s 2026 development.
Filmogaz.com reported the assignment and will follow his progress through spring action.
