Pirates' Catchers Try Unique Spring Training Drill

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have been using an unusual drill during spring training to help their catchers practice tags at home plate. The drill involves a coach running past home plate while the catchers attempt to tag a ball bag tied to a rope, simulating a runner sliding into home.

Why it matters

Spring training is a time for teams to experiment with new drills and techniques, and this unique drill showcases the Pirates' efforts to help their catchers improve their skills in a creative way. Effective tagging at home plate can be crucial in close games, so this drill could pay dividends during the regular season.

The details

The Pirates' catchers, including Joey Bart, Henry Davis, and Endy Rodriguez, have been participating in the drill, which involves a coach running past home plate while the catchers try to tag a ball bag tied to a rope. This simulates a runner sliding into home, allowing the catchers to practice their technique and timing for making tags.

• The drill was first seen during the Pirates' spring training activities on February 17, 2026.

What’s next

If any of the Pirates' catchers make a standout tag at home plate during the regular season, it will be interesting to see if the practice they gained from this unique drill had a positive impact.