The Latest Breaking News from Rodolfo Castro

PITTSBURGH — From the first pitch of Johan Oviedo’s last start, it was clear the Pirates right-hander meant business. Debuting a sinker after tinkering with it throughout spring, it didn’t take Oviedo long to show that he was intent on displaying a different version of himself.

PITTSBURGH — A few hours before first pitch, Austin Hedges delivered a softly spoken message that was just audible enough for those in the clubhouse to hear.

PITTSBURGH — Who said the Pirates lost a leadoff hitter who’s blazing fast and can also hit homers?

The dream of a 30-30 or 40-40 season for Oneil Cruz isn't likely to become reality, unless he rejoins the Pirates later this season and goes on some sort of Mario Lemieux-level tear.

Oneil Cruz had surgery on his fractured left ankle at Allegheny General Hospital late Sunday night, the Pirates announced on Monday afternoon. They also projected the 24-year-old shortstop's timeline to return at four months, meaning Cruz won't return until after the All-Star break and well into August.

PITTSBURGH — Prior to Wednesday’s season finale, which turned out to be a 5-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, Pirates manager Derek Shelton admitted that he gets frustrated too, sometimes.

CINCINNATI — As Pirates players walked back and forth with plates of breakfast and others prepared for batting practice Wednesday morning, Oneil Cruz and Rodolfo Castro chatted quietly in one corner of the visiting clubhouse at Great American Ball Park. Wearing a set of gray headphones as he listened to…

CINCINNATI — It didn’t take Luis Ortiz long at all to show that he meant business, that his start Tuesday in the second game of a doubleheader against the Reds at Great American Ball Park was more than a token, late-season gesture, a reward for a job well done.

CINCINNATI — A Bryse Wilson start defined by home runs certainly qualifies as a plausible premise, especially at Great American Ball Park. But the twist Monday against the Reds was that Wilson got to watch a couple balls sail over the fence and smile, instead of growing frustrated.