DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: NL Central—PIT, MIL rotations take shape

Pittsburgh Pirates

The PIT rotation took on some clarity as Jonathan Sanchez (LHP, PIT) was named the fourth starter and Jeff Locke (LHP, PIT) was awarded the fifth position. Sanchez won the job with a mediocre spring, in which he allowed 11 ER in 18 IP. He fanned 16 but issued a staff high 11 walks. Control has been an issue for Sanchez throughout his career, including a horrendous 7.4 Ctl in 2012. Locke allowed 11 earned runs in 21.1 IP and struck out 12 with eight walks. The Pirates hope that neither will be in the rotation long. Francisco Liriano (LHP, PIT) is recovering from a broken non-pitching arm and should be ready by the end of April. The prognosis for Jeff Karstens (RHP, PIT) is currently more hazy. Karstens was placed on...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

A rejuvenated Eloy Jiménez has stood out in early Grapefruit League action and should continue to get at-bats with many Toronto regulars playing in the WBC. Plus, more WBC fallout from around the division.
Mar 3 2026 3:03am
Baseball's triennial tournament draws heavily upon MLB organizational depth, opening up opportunities for those left behind.
Mar 2 2026 8:45am
The NL West continues to offer intriguing spring training position battles and a new trend for the Colorado Rockies.
Feb 28 2026 3:04am
Abner Uribe has all the elements of a closer, but Trevor Megill is the pitcher with 51 saves since 2024. Plus more looks around the NL Central.
Feb 27 2026 3:06am
The White Sox might carry three catchers on their roster in 2026—how might that play out? Plus, a look at right-handed hitter options in CLE, the outlook for Jace Jung and Matt Vierling in DET, 6th SPs in KC, and backup SS options in MIN.
Feb 26 2026 3:09am

Tools