Ryan

Vogelsong

Price was only with the Giants for one season, and it was a mixed bag at best for the San Francisco hurlers. The 62-year-old appears to be leaving on his own, however, and could be with another organization for the 2025 season. Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic suggests former San Francisco hurler Ryan Vogelsong as a potential replacement.

Against the rest of the league, Vogelsong is 4-7 with a 5.74 ERA. This helps explain the seasons the Cardinal starters are having. They never face Pujols, Rolen, Edmonds, etc.

“The best way to describe his situation is that the shoulder is just tired,” pitching coach Spin Williams said. “He says he’s feeling fine, but we’ll keep an eye on it.” If Vogelsong isn’t feeling completely healthy at the start of the spring, he could be quickly eliminated from the competition for the final spot in Pittsburgh’s rotation.

Vogelsong is set to compete for a spot in the Pittsburgh rotation this spring. There’s a good chance he’ll begin the year in the pen.

Vogelsong technically is a candidate for the final spot in the Pirates’ rotation, but he has very little chance of winning the job. He’ll probably open the year in the minors.

Manager Lloyd McClendon could still turn to Solomon Torres. Vogelsong was 7-5 with a 5.06 ERA in 13 starts for Triple-A Nashville. It might be tempting to use him against the Indians, but it’s best to steer clear.

Vogelsong draws a nice opponent in the Indians, but he’s not to be picked up.

Vogelsong and outfielder J.J. Davis are two of four or five players the Pirates plan to bring up from Triple-A Nashville when Nashville’s playoff run ends.

Vogelsong made what has to be considered a successful comeback from Tommy John surgery by going 13-8 with a 4.29 ERA at Nashville. His 146 strikeouts (in 149 innings) led the team. Dave Williams, who returned from shoulder surgery to throw 77 innings this year, is not expected to join the Pirates for cautionary reasons.

If Vogelsong had he pitched poorly yesterday, he would have been sent to Triple-Nashville and replaced by Sean Burnett. It’s still just a matter of time.