Pirates AFL Updates: Termarr Johnson Keeps Getting On Base

The Scottsdale Scorpions, the Arizona Fall League team composed of minor league prospects from the Pirates (along with the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays), lost 6-1 to the Glendale Desert Dogs on Friday night despite a three walk night from Termarr Johnson, the highest ranked player in Pittsburgh’s system.

Johnson’s patience and eye at the plate have been on display throughout his professional career, with 202 free passes in 257 career minor league games, and Friday night was no different. Batting from the leadoff spot for the second night in a row, the 20-year-old middle infielder did his best to manufacture offense for the rest of his team… but on a night when Scottsdale only logged four hits, there was only so much he could do.

Other Pirates’ prospects who appeared in Friday’s contest include catcher Geovanny Planchart, who went 1-for-4 with a single, and right-handed pitcher Valentin Linarez, who pitched 1.1 clean innings on a stellar nine pitches, seven of which went for strikes.

Linarez was the first option out of the bullpen when Scottsdale’s starter ran into trouble in the third inning. He entered with a runner on second and two outs, inducing a fly out to end the threat.

Planchart, meanwhile, saw his defensive woes continue, as he committed a pair of errors: one on a stolen base attempt and one on a pickoff throw.

Scottsdale will be back in action at 6:30pm EDT Saturday when they host Glendale.