Pittsburgh Review

Bubba Chandler expressed his excitement as the final out of his second start for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians concluded on Friday night. For the second consecutive start, the Pirates' No. 1 prospect delivered an impressive performance, pitching six scoreless innings and tying his career high with 11 strikeouts. This outing marked the first time the 21-year-old pitched in front of a home crowd at Victory Field, contributing to a 3-2 victory over the St. Paul Saints.

Chandler's statistics were among the best in Triple-A that evening. He recorded 16 swings-and-misses and threw the fastest pitch by any starter at 99.3 mph. MLB’s No. 41 prospect has yet to allow a run in 13 innings, accumulating 17 strikeouts.

Chandler has excelled since being promoted from Double-A on August 8, attributing his success to necessary adjustments. The Pirates' 2021 third-round pick noted that facing experienced hitters in Triple-A has required him to be more precise with his pitches.

“It’s like a chess game,” Chandler stated. “Really focusing on every single pitch that you throw is something that I want to get used to. After these outings, I'm more tired than I normally would be, just from the fact that these guys are really good players. Each pitch means something.”

The right-hander -- whose fastballs consistently clocked at least 95 mph -- dominated early in his start, striking out five of six batters through the second and third innings. However, he encountered challenges as his night progressed.

In the sixth inning, Chandler faced runners on first and second after allowing a hit and walk. A groundball advanced both runners into scoring position with one out. Chandler managed to escape by striking out one batter and inducing a slow roller to first base for the final out, displaying visible excitement as he walked off the mound.

“The fifth and sixth innings were a grind for me,” Chandler remarked. “The name of the game is to win. And however I can contribute to that means a lot to me.”

Pitching prospects within the Pirates system face high expectations following Paul Skenes’ impressive performances which earned him NL All-Star Game starter honors. So far, Chandler has made significant strides.

“There is no second opportunity to have a strong first impression,” Indianapolis manager Miguel Perez said in Spanish. “Bubba has created a good first impression. He’s not afraid to throw strikes. He knows he has good stuff and he is determined."

Perez highlighted Chandler's determination and willingness to embrace contact as key factors distinguishing him from others.

Chandler remains focused on refining his skills before considering future opportunities in Pittsburgh despite being eager about joining friends Skenes and Jared Jones at higher levels.

Regardless of immediate plans, indications suggest a promising future for Pittsburgh's starting rotation could materialize sooner rather than later.

“We’re going to be in a good spot with all these players,” Perez commented in Spanish.” It’s going to be exciting because there will be many special moments created with this pitching staff.”