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Rays pitcher Zach Eflin forced to take off wedding ring after umpires threaten to eject him

MLB umpires have been cracking down on anything that could affect the spin rates of baseballs, apparently including wedding rings.

Tampa Bay Rays starter Zach Eflin said he was forced to take his ring off in the top of the second inning Thursday. Otherwise, he would have been ejected.

Eflin and umpire Adrian Johnson spoke on the mound, along with manager Kevin Cash and catcher Christian Bethancourt, which apparently was an unusual circumstance.

Eflin said umpires normally don’t give him much of an issue.

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Zach Eflin of the Tampa Bay Rays throws a pitch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Tropicana Field May 4, 2023, in St Petersburg, Fla.  (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

“It was the first crew that was really giving me trouble about taking the ring off,” Eflin said after the game. “I’ve told every umpire that’s asked me to take it off, I’ve said ‘Hey, I respect what you guys do, but I’m gonna keep it on. It’s very important to me.’ Most umpires are cool with it, and they’ll kind of let MLB take care of it if they need to. 

“But this umpire crew was a little different. They seemed a little on edge, but it’s part of it. I said, ‘If you’re gonna eject me out of the game, then I’ll take it off.’ And that’s what they ended up coming out and telling me on the mound was that they were gonna toss me out of the game if I didn’t take off my rubber ring. So I took it off.”

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Tropicana Field.  (Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports)

The umpires are just doing their jobs, making sure that the ring didn’t cause any scuffing of the ball, which could result in some unusual movement. Ring or not, Eflin still dominated.

Eflin tossed seven scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out 10 without walking a batter. 

METS’ MAX SCHERZER STRUGGLES IN RETURN FROM STICKY SUBSTANCE SUSPENSION; STATS SHOW DECREASE IN SPIN RATES

Entering the season, Eflin had a 4.49 ERA in his first seven seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Since joining the Rays, who have some secret sauce to pitching, he’s allowed just seven earned runs in 28.0 innings for a 2.25 ERA.

Eflin married his longtime girlfriend, Lauren Dennen, in December 2020, and the couple has three kids, including twins born in March. The two grew up in Oviedo, Fla., but went to rival high schools in the town. 

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin, right, reacts after being hit by a ball against the Oakland Athletics in the sixth inning at Tropicana Field.  (Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports)

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While Eflin was a first-round draft pick by the San Diego Padres, Dennen went to the University of Florida in nearby Gainesville.

Rays pitcher Zach Eflin forced to take off wedding ring after umpires threaten to eject him

MLB umpires have been cracking down on anything that could affect the spin rates of baseballs, apparently including wedding rings.

Tampa Bay Rays starter Zach Eflin said he was forced to take his ring off in the top of the second inning Thursday. Otherwise, he would have been ejected.

Eflin and umpire Adrian Johnson spoke on the mound, along with manager Kevin Cash and catcher Christian Bethancourt, which apparently was an unusual circumstance.

Eflin said umpires normally don’t give him much of an issue.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Zach Eflin of the Tampa Bay Rays throws a pitch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Tropicana Field May 4, 2023, in St Petersburg, Fla.  (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

“It was the first crew that was really giving me trouble about taking the ring off,” Eflin said after the game. “I’ve told every umpire that’s asked me to take it off, I’ve said ‘Hey, I respect what you guys do, but I’m gonna keep it on. It’s very important to me.’ Most umpires are cool with it, and they’ll kind of let MLB take care of it if they need to. 

“But this umpire crew was a little different. They seemed a little on edge, but it’s part of it. I said, ‘If you’re gonna eject me out of the game, then I’ll take it off.’ And that’s what they ended up coming out and telling me on the mound was that they were gonna toss me out of the game if I didn’t take off my rubber ring. So I took it off.”

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Tropicana Field.  (Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports)

The umpires are just doing their jobs, making sure that the ring didn’t cause any scuffing of the ball, which could result in some unusual movement. Ring or not, Eflin still dominated.

Eflin tossed seven scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out 10 without walking a batter. 

METS’ MAX SCHERZER STRUGGLES IN RETURN FROM STICKY SUBSTANCE SUSPENSION; STATS SHOW DECREASE IN SPIN RATES

Entering the season, Eflin had a 4.49 ERA in his first seven seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Since joining the Rays, who have some secret sauce to pitching, he’s allowed just seven earned runs in 28.0 innings for a 2.25 ERA.

Eflin married his longtime girlfriend, Lauren Dennen, in December 2020, and the couple has three kids, including twins born in March. The two grew up in Oviedo, Fla., but went to rival high schools in the town. 

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin, right, reacts after being hit by a ball against the Oakland Athletics in the sixth inning at Tropicana Field.  (Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports)

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While Eflin was a first-round draft pick by the San Diego Padres, Dennen went to the University of Florida in nearby Gainesville.

Pirates legend Dick Groat dead at 92 after suffering stroke

Dick Groat, a former Pittsburgh Pirates star who also briefly played professional basketball after he was an All-American in college, has died, his family said Thursday. He was 92.

Groat’s family said he died at UMPC Presbyterian Hospital due to complications from a stroke.

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Former Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Dick Groat, center, acknowledges fans at PNC Park during a pregame ceremony honoring his lifetime of service to the Pirates organization, before a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Pittsburgh, Monday, April 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a beloved member of the Pirates family and Pittsburgh community,” Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement. “The National League MVP and World Series Champion in 1960, Dick remained a very active and cherished member of our Alumni Association. We were honored to have just recently informed Dick and his family that he had been selected to the Pirates Hall of Fame. He was a great player and an even better person. Our thoughts go out to his three daughters, eleven grandchildren and the entire Groat family. His was a life well lived. He will be missed.”

Groat was from the Pittsburgh area and starred at Duke as a basketball and baseball player in the 1950s. He was an All-American in both sports and had his jersey number retired at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

PIRATES’ DREW MAGGI MAKES MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT AFTER OVER DECADE IN MINORS, GETS CALLED FOR CLOCK VIOLATION

Pittsburgh Pirates Dick Groat is shown at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, Aug. 11, 1960. (AP Photo/File)

Groat briefly played for the Fort Wayne Pistons in the early days of the NBA as he also signed with the Pirates in 1952. A brief military stint ended his basketball career, and he deiced to stick with the Pirates.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, and when he was discharged, then-Pirates general manager Bracn Rickey essentially threatened to take away his signing bonus if he did nt solely focus on baseball.

He played nine years for the Pirates and won the 1960 National League MVP award when he led the majors with a .325 batting average. He had two home runs and 50 RBIs that year. He would win a World Series with the team that season over the New York Yankees.

Groat also won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals and finished runner-up in MVP voting in 1963 when he led the majors with 43 doubles.

He ended his career with the San Francisco Giants after the 1967 season.

Dick Groat, a two-sport star who went from All-American guard in basketball to a brief stint in the NBA to ultimately an All-Star shortstop and the 1960 National League MVP while playing baseball for his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates, has died. He was 92. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

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He is survived by his daughters Tracey, Carol Ann and Allison, along with 11 grandchildren.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Pirates’ Drew Maggi makes major league debut after over decade in minors, gets called for clock violation

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Drew Maggi made his major league debut Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers after playing more than 1,100 games in the minors.

Maggi’s first at-bat could have gone a bit better, however.

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Pittsburgh Pirates pinch hitter Drew Maggi, #39, prepares to bat against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, April 26, 2023. Maggi made his major league debut after spending 13 years playing in 1,155 games in his minor league career. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

He pinched-hit for Andrew McCutchen in the eighth inning. With the count 0-1, Maggi was called for a pitch-clock violation to make the count 0-2. He would foul off the next pitch and take a ball on the fourth throw. On the fifth pitch, Maggi swung and missed a slider near his feet.

He received a standing ovation after the game as Pittsburgh won 8-1 at home.

Maggi said he was awestruck by the reception he got from the Pirates fans. His parents and three brothers were in attendance for the game.

Pittsburgh Pirates pinch hitter Drew Maggi, #39, takes a moment as he steps to the plate to bat against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh April 26, 2023. Maggi made his major league debut after spending 13 years playing in 1,155 games in his minor league career. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

MARINERS LOSE ROBBIE RAY FOR SEASON AFTER SURGERY REQUIRED ON FLEXOR TENDON INJURY

“Anything is possible. Never give up,” Maggi said after the game.

Maggi, 33, was called up Sunday as Bryan Reynolds was put on the Bereavement List, and the team transferred first baseman Ji-Man Choi to the 50-day injured list with a left Achilles strain to make room on the 40-man roster.

Maggi was selected by the Pirates in the 15th round of the 2010 draft. He was in the Pirates’ farm system from 2010 to 2014. He would then be in the Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies’ organizations before coming back to the Pirates in 2022.

Drew Maggi, #73 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, poses for a portrait during the 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates Photo Day at Pirate City on Feb. 22, 2023 in Bradenton, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

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Maggi played more than 1,100 games in the minor leagues. He has a .254 career batting average and 45 home runs.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Bryan Reynolds’ $106M extension makes Pirates history

The Pittsburgh Pirates have finally flexed some financial muscle and removed themselves from an unpopular MLB group. 

Switch-hitting outfielder Bryan Reynolds and the Pirates have reached common ground on the All-Star’s contract extension.

He reportedly agreed to an eight-year, $106.75 million deal that makes him the franchise’s star through the 2030 season, per the New York Post. The team also holds an  option for 2031.

Reynolds would have become a free agent in three years at age 31. 

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Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during a game against the Houston Astros at PNC Park April 12, 2023, in Pittsburgh.  (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

By reaching a deal with Reynolds, the Pirates have agreed to the franchise’s first-ever nine-figure contract for a player in their 136-year history. 

The richest deal prior to this was another extension, given to another young star in third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. He got a $70 million extension over eight years, which came before last season began.

Before Reynolds’ extension, the Pirates were one of four MLB teams that still hadn’t given a contract of $100 million or more. 

PIRATES CALL UP 33-YEAR-OLD INFIELDER AFTER MORE THAN DECADE IN THE MINORS: ‘IT’S BEEN A DREAM COME TRUE’

Now, only the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals have yet to do so. 

Pittsburgh landed Reynolds in the Andrew McCutchen trade in 2018, and he’s remained consistent since he broke into the league in 2019. 

Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Houston Astros at PNC Park April 12, 2023, in Pittsburgh.  (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Players often seek new contracts or trades from teams unwilling to spend, and the Pirates have been among them. Owner Bob Nutting bought the team in 1996 for $92 million, and the team is now reportedly worth $1.3 billion. 

Jerry Reinsdorf, who also owns the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, bought the White Sox for $20 million. His team is worth $2 billion now, and it just dished out its most lucrative contract in history with a $75 million deal to Andrew Benintendi in the offseason. 

PIRATES’ ONEIL CRUZ HAS TIMELINE FOR RETURN AFTER UNDERGOING ANKLE SURGERY FOLLOWING NASTY COLLISION

Unlike the other low-budget teams, the Sox have had consistent roster talent with playoff potential. 

John Sherman, the majority owner of the Royals, bought the team for $96 million, and it is now valued at $1.2 million. Sherman gave Salvador Perez, the team’s All-Star catcher, a four-year, $82 million extension, the team’s most expensive contract. 

Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Chicago White Sox at PNC Park April 9, 2023, in Pittsburgh.  (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The A’s have notoriously been one of the cheapest teams in all of sports. John J. Fisher bought the team for $180 million, and it is valued at $1.18 billion today. But the payroll is at $60,777,593 compared to the league average of $160,143,075. 

That may change. The A’s announced they have entered an agreement to buy 49 acres in Las Vegas to move the team.

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The Pirates’ payroll ranks 27th among the 30 MLB teams at $76,195,576 this season. But they have one of their key pieces, who was disgruntled at one point, locked in. 

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Pirates call up 33-year-old infielder after more than decade in the minors: ‘It’s been a dream come true’

Drew Maggi’s dream has finally come true.

After 13 years as an infielder in the minor league system, the Pittsburgh Pirates called Maggi up to the majors after he had played eight games in Double-A Altoona to start the 2023 season. He was on the bench as the team defeated the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.

Maggi, 33, was called up as Bryan Reynolds was put on the Bereavement List and the team transferred first baseman Ji-Man Choi to the 50-day injured list with a left Achilles strain to make room on the 40-man roster.

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Drew Maggi of the Pittsburgh Pirates runs out a single during a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Lecom Park on March 21, 2023, in Bradenton, Florida. (George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

“I always believed this moment would come,” he said Sunday. “There was a little bit of me that was like, ‘You know what? You love playing baseball. Keep going no matter what.’ Crazy things happen in this game. So I’m very thankful that I’m here and that I get to enjoy this. I’m excited for the day.”

Maggi was selected by the Pirates in the 15th round of the 2010 draft. He was in the Pirates’ farm system from 2010 to 2014. He would then be in the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies’ organizations before coming back to the Pirates in 2022.

Callix Crabbe, the manager of the Altoona Curve, announced Maggi’s call-up in a video posted to Twitter.

Drew Maggi poses during Pittsburgh’s photo day at Pirate City on Feb 22, 2023, in Bradenton, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

FORMER A’S STAR REGGIE JACKSON RIPS CITY OF OAKLAND AS ATHLETICS PREPARE TO MOVE TO LAS VEGAS

“It with great pleasure that I get to promote my first person to the major leagues, someone that is tremendously important to this group and someone that exemplifies grit,” Crabbe said in the clip.

Maggi was in tears.

“Definitely a lot of thinking back. Was getting a lot of texts, calling my family,” he said. “It’s two hours on the drive. Had a lot of time. Was going through old photos, old memories and moments, just throughout my career. Pictures of my family in different cities.

“It’s been a special 24 hours. It’s been crazy. I can’t explain it. I’m very thankful for the Pirates doing this for me. It’s crazy, man. Just being here and walking through the clubhouse. It’s been a dream come true.”

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Maggi played more than 1,000 games in the minor leagues. He has a .254 career batting average and 45 home runs.

Drew Maggi of the Cleveland Indians turns the double play over Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 1, 2018, in Glendale, Arizona. (Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

It’s unclear whether Maggi will get to play in a game. Pittsburgh is off on Monday and stay home to host the Dodgers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Pirates’ Oneil Cruz has timeline for return after undergoing ankle surgery following nasty collision

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz underwent surgery to repair the broken ankle he suffered in a home plate collision, which sparked a benches-clearing scuffle with the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. 

Cruz’s season, though, won’t be over as he’s expected to return to the Pirates after four months of recovery, the team announced. That would put him returning some time in August. 

To fill his spot on the roster — Cruz was designated to the 10-day injured list — Mark Mathias has been recalled from Triple-A. 

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz, center, is tended to by team trainers after colliding with Chicago White Sox catcher Seby Zavala attempting to score during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, April 9, 2023. A bench clearing brawl ensued as a result of the play. The Pirates won 1-0. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

A slow ground ball off the bat of Ke’Bryan Hayes bounced down the third baseline, and Cruz decided to race home to add a run to the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth inning.

But White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada was quick after the ball found his glove, transferring it to his right hand and firing it home to Zavala, who was ready to tag Cruz out.

BENCHES CLEAR IN WHITE SOX-PIRATES GAME AFTER SCARY COLLISION LEAVES ONEIL CRUZ WITH BROKEN ANKLE

Cruz attempted to slide but appeared to get caught up in the dirt, which led to his collision with Zavala, who stood up and seemed to have some words for Cruz as the Pirates shortstop writhed in pain.

Pirates’ Carlos Santana had some words with Zavala, and then the rest of the Pirates’ bench began heading out of the dugout, with the White Sox following suit.

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz (15) is injured as he is tagged out attempting to score by Chicago White Sox catcher Seby Zavala during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, April 9, 2023. A bench clearing brawl ensued as a result of the play. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Chicago’s Tim Anderson and Michael Kopech were among those who got involved in the scrum that even saw the bullpens empty, with pitchers running from the outfield to join the scuffle.

ANDREW MCCUTCHEN RECEIVES INCREDIBLE OVATION FROM PIRATES CROWD IN HOME OPENER: ‘DEFINITELY WAS WELLING UP’

Luckily, nothing got more physical than some pushing, shoving, and surely some explicit language. But the loss of Cruz certainly hurts the Pirates in the long run. 

Cruz is one of the most promising prospects in MLB, showcasing true five-tool abilities in the 87 games he played with Pittsburgh last season. He’s displayed his rocket arm at short and has belted baseballs into the Allegheny River at exit velocities more than 115 mph.

Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts as he walks back to the dugout after striking out against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the ninth inning at Oracle Park on August 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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Cruz was 8-for-32 with a homer, double and four RBI over nine games this season. He hit .233/.294/.450 with 17 homers, 54 RBI and 45 runs scored in his time with the Pirates last season. 

Benches clear in White Sox-Pirates game after scary collision leaves Oneil Cruz with broken ankle

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz suffered a broken ankle in a home-plate collision with White Sox catcher Seby Zavala, which resulted in a benches-clearing scuffle on Sunday afternoon. 

A slow ground ball off the bat of Ke’Bryan Hayes bounced down the third baseline, and Cruz decided to race home to add a run to the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth inning.

But White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada was quick after the ball found his glove, transferring it to his right hand and firing it home to Zavala, who was ready to tag Cruz out.

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz (15) is injured as he is tagged out attempting to score by Chicago White Sox catcher Seby Zavala during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, April 9, 2023. A bench clearing brawl ensued as a result of the play. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Cruz attempted to slide but appeared to get caught up in the dirt, which led to his collision with Zavala, who stood up and seemed to have some words for Cruz as the Pirates shortstop writhed in pain.

Almost immediately, Pirates’ Carlos Santana had words with Zavala, and then the rest of the Pirates’ bench began heading out of the dugout, with the White Sox following suit.

ANDREW MCCUTCHEN RECEIVES INCREDIBLE OVATION FROM PIRATES CROWD IN HOME OPENER: ‘DEFINITELY WAS WELLING UP’

Chicago’s Tim Anderson and Michael Kopech were among those who got involved in the scrum that even had the bullpens empty, with pitchers running from the outfield to join the scuffle.

The benches clear as a result of a home plate collision between Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz and Chicago White Sox catcher Seby Zavala during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, April 9, 2023. Cruz was injured on the play and helped off the field. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Zavala also was seen being held back while exchanging words that likely wouldn’t be fit for TV as trainers continued to look at Cruz.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton told reporters after the 1-0 Pirates win that Cruz suffered a broken ankle, and though it wasn’t said directly, that injury might end his 2023 season.

Cruz is one of the most promising prospects in MLB, showcasing true five-tool abilities in the 87 games he played with Pittsburgh last season. He’s displayed his rocket arm at short and has belted baseballs into the Allegheny River at exit velocities more than 115 mph.

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz, center, is tended to by team trainers after colliding with Chicago White Sox catcher Seby Zavala attempting to score during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, April 9, 2023. A bench clearing brawl ensued as a result of the play. The Pirates won 1-0. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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If Cruz has to miss the rest of the year, it would be a huge loss for the Pirates as they continue to rebuild their franchise with their young talent.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Andrew McCutchen receives incredible ovation from Pirates crowd in home opener: ‘Definitely was welling up’

Five-time MLB All-Star Andrew McCutchen finally returned to where it all began on Friday, making his 2023 home debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

McCutchen, who spent the first nine years of his career in Pittsburgh, signed a one-year deal with the Pirates during the offseason after playing with four teams in the past five years. 

Andrew McCutchen, #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, bats in the first inning during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Friday, April 7, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Pittsburgh played its first six games of the season on the road before returning home for a six-game home stand, starting with a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. 

And the crowd at PNC Park quickly let McCutchen know just how much they appreciated having him back. 

McCutchen rewarded the home crowd with a single off of Chicago starter Lucas Giolito in the first. 

“It’s a special moment, special day for me,” McCutchen said. “It’s one I’m going to remember.”

The Pirates continued their hot start to the 2023 season, beating the White Sox 13-9 to move to 5-2. 

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A fan holds a sign featuring Andrew McCutchen during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Friday, April 7, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The 2013 National League MVP ended the day with two of Pittsburgh’s 19 hits. 

“I love these fans,” McCutchen said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It was great. I was able to re-live in the past a little bit, which isn’t a bad thing to do. Just the whole experience was special.”

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Andrew McCutchen, #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, acknowledges the crowd in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox during inter-league play on Opening Day at PNC Park on April 7, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

“Definitely was welling up, but I knew I needed to hit,” said McCutchen, who finished with two hits. “So I couldn’t be too watery. It was good. A good day.”

In his first nine seasons with the Pirates, McCutchen was selected to all five of his All-Star appearances and finished in the top-five of the MVP voting four times. 

Joe Morgan is a Sports Reporter for Fox News.

Yankees obliterate Pirates; Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks both hit grand slams

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Aaron Judge felt like he was “stuck” on 29 home runs for “a while.”

Of course, “a while” is a relative term when it comes to the New York Yankees slugger. What Judge considered a drought of sorts was in reality a span of four games.

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New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge hits a grand slam off Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Manny Banuelos during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, July 6, 2022.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

One mighty swing put Judge back on track and helped the Yankees start the second half of their schedule with a bang.

Judge sent a laser to the seats in left field in the eighth inning for his third career grand slam — and 30th homer of the season, most in the majors — as New York drilled the Pittsburgh Pirates 16-0 on Wednesday night to split their two-game interleague set.

Aaron Hicks added a grand slam of his own an inning later on a night when the Yankees hit six home runs in all to push their team total to a major league-leading 139.

Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, Joey Gallo and Kyle Higashioka also homered for New York to back Luis Severino.

YANKEES TEAM OWNER TALKS AARON JUDGE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, FELT GOOD ABOUT OFFSEASON OFFER

“Games like this help guys get rolling,” Judge said. “Guys had good at-bats, put a couple of balls in the gaps and all of a sudden guys take off for a week or two or a whole month or even the rest of the season.”

It’s a zone Judge has seemingly been in since opening day. Hours after Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner admitted it may take a record contract to keep Judge from hitting free agency next winter, the outfielder looked worth every penny. He finished with three of New York’s season-high 22 hits while becoming the first Yankees player to reach the 30-homer plateau before the All-Star break twice in his career.

It’s a number that left New York manager Aaron Boone shaking his head.

“It’s hard for me to relate to that,” said Boone, who never hit more than 26 home runs in a season during his 12-year career. “So it’s been pretty impressive, whatever — halfway in here — the kind of baseball he’s playing. Obviously the power has been right there.”

MAX SCHERZER STRIKES OUT 11 RETURN FROM OBLIQUE INJURY, REDS STILL GET VICTORY

Hicks cleared the bases in the ninth when he went deep against Pirates utility infielder Josh VanMeter, who was making his third relief appearance of the season.

“It feels like any one of those guys could hit a homer at any point,” VanMeter said. “You just go out there and throw strikes and whatever happens happens, really. You’re not out there competing. You’re just trying to save some pitchers’ arms and pick them up.”

Severino (5-3) allowed four hits over six dominant innings, striking out three without a walk to pick up his first victory in more than a month. The right-hander retired 12 straight and 18 of the final 20 hitters he faced after giving up a single to Ke’Bryan Hayes and a double to Bryan Reynolds to begin the bottom of the first.

The victory ended a two-game skid for New York, which began the second half of the season with the same recipe that carried the Yankees to the best record in the majors and the second-best start in franchise history through 81 games: dominant starting pitching and plenty of power.

PHILLIES’ BRYCE HARPER HAS PINS INSERTED INTO BROKEN THUMB, VOWS RETURN THIS SEASON

New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino delivers during the first inning of the team’s baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, July 6, 2022.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

After using some small ball to take a 2-0 lead in the fourth thanks in part to a hit-and-run and a stolen base, Donaldson and Gallo took Mitch Keller (2-6) deep twice in the span of three pitches in the sixth to break it open.

New York was just getting started, adding one in the seventh, then five in the eighth and six in the ninth to improve to 3-3 on a four-city, 10-game road trip.

“It’s tough to hold this lineup down,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “You don’t see it happen very often. They score a bunch of runs and (Judge) is the catalyst for that.”

Reynolds had two of Pittsburgh’s four hits but the Pirates could muster little against Severino and three New York relievers.

Keller worked in and out of trouble over six innings, allowing four runs on a season-high 10 hits with a walk and seven strikeouts. He was long gone by the time New York overwhelmed Pittsburgh’s overtaxed bullpen.

MADISON BUMGARNER PAYS AWESOME TRIBUTE TO AMERICA ON THE FOURTH OF JULY

New York Yankees’ Josh Donaldson, right, celebrates with Joey Gallo after hitting a solo home run off Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, July 6, 2022.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

TRAINER’S ROOM

Yankees: Held 1B Anthony Rizzo out of the lineup for a second straight game due to back stiffness. Boone indicated Rizzo would likely miss Thursday’s game in Boston, too.

Pirates: OF Greg Allen (hamstring) was scheduled to begin a rehabilitation assignment at Class A Bradenton. Allen, claimed off waivers from the Yankees last fall, hasn’t played all season.

ON THE MOVE

The Yankees reinstated reliever Miguel Castro from the restricted list and designated reliever Ryan Weber for assignment.

Pittsburgh reinstated reliever Yerry De Los Santos from the COVID-19 list. The Pirates optioned reliever Cam Vieaux to Triple-A Indianapolis and designated reliever Austin Brice for assignment.

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New York Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu hits a two-run single off Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, July 6, 2022.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

UP NEXT

Yankees: Head to Boston for the first time this season when they begin a four-game weekend series at Fenway Park on Thursday night. Gerrit Cole (7-2, 2.99 ERA) faces Boston’s Josh Winckowski (3-2, 3.12) in the opener.

Pirates: Play a day-night doubleheader in Cincinnati on Thursday.