×

Kontos brings versatility

By John Mehno

For the Mirror

PITTSBURGH — The Pirates’ newest relief pitcher reported for work on Monday afternoon. He should count on being busy.

As George Kontos claimed his locker in the clubhouse at PNC Park, manager Clint Hurdle was in his office, counting the ways he might use the veteran righthander.

“He can pitch the seventh inning,” Hurdle said. “He can pitch the eighth inning. He can pitch (when the game is) tied. He can pitch one run down, one run up. Those are basically the roles he’s pitched in the last year plus.

“The numbers speak for themselves, the last 200 innings and where he ranks on the reliever list. The ERA, 50 appearances this year, the batting average against. This man is a workhorse. This was a good addition for our bullpen.”

Kontos, 32, came over from the San Francisco Giants Saturday on a waiver claim. With the Pirates four and a half games out of first place at the start of play on Monday, he’ll be pitching in a much more competitive situation.

The Giants are in last place in the National League West, with no hope of competing for a postseason spot.

“I’m excited,” Kontos said. “I’ve been fortunate in my career. I’ve been in the playoffs three times and have two World Series championships. The opportunity to go to the playoffs doesn’t come around that often.

“When you have an opportunity to go, these games are definitely very meaningful and I’m looking forward to getting into the action.”

According to Hurdle, Kontos features a basic fastball-slider repertoire with a sinker and a cut fastball as well. His reputation is that he dominates against righthanded batters but sometimes struggles against lefthanded hitters.

“We’re hoping we can make some suggestions in that area,”general manager Neal Huntington said.

Kontos will be working with pitching coach Ray Searage. When Kontos found out he was joining the Pirates, he contacted former Giants teammate Ryan Vogelsong, who was with the Pirates last season.

“The first thing he said is you’re going to love Ray,” Kontos said. “I got a text message from J.A. Happ, who was a teammate of mine at Northwestern, and he said the same thing. Everybody I’ve spoken to about him has had nothing but great things to say. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Kontos saw some familiar faces in the Pirates’ clubhouse. Ivan Nova was a teammate with the New York Yankees. Francisco Cervelli caught him with the Yankees, as did Chris Stewart. Kontos and Stewart were once traded for each other.

“I’ve introduced myself to everybody and they’ve all made me feel welcome,” Kontos said. “It’s been a pretty easy transition so far.”

Remembering Baylor

Hurdle was saddened to learn that former major league player and manager Don Baylor died on Monday at 68.

Hurdle and Baylor worked together in the Colorado Rockies’ organization. When Hurdle managed the Rockies, he hired Baylor as a coach.

That was a reversal of roles from the beginning of their relationship.

“He gave me my first major league coaching opportunity,” Hurdle said. “He was the first believer. He felt very confident in my abilities, probably more confident than I was. He gave me that shot.

“Our relationship developed over the years. He and his wife Becky, we got really close personally and professionally. Fantastic guy. Just a wonderful guy. It’s a sad day for the game.”

Starting assignment

Sean Rodriguez started at shortstop Monday, giving Jordy Mercer the night off.

This is the first time this season the Pirates have had an alternative for shortstop who is also an offensive threat.

Roster move

Dovydas Neverauskas was optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis to clear a roster spot for Kontos.

Neverauskas pitched two innings of scoreless relief on Sunday to get his first major league win.

The Pirates also announced that outfielder Danny Ortiz cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Indianapolis. Ortiz was dropped from the 40-man roster over the weekend to open a spot for Rodriguez.

Mehno can be reached at johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today