Pirates Prospect's First Triple-A Start Available to Stream Free
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The Pittsburgh Pirates’ rising star Hunter Barco will make his highly anticipated Triple-A debut tonight, taking the mound for the Indianapolis Indians as they face the Columbus Clippers at 7:05 p.m. ET. The game will be available to stream for free on MLB TV, giving Pirates fans a chance to watch the left-hander’s next step in his remarkable 2025 campaign.
Get ready for the @MiLB Free Game of the Day:
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 9, 2025
The Pirates' Hunter Barco, who hasn't allowed a run this season (!), is back on the bump for the @indyindians, facing red-hot Guardians prospect C.J. Kayfus and the @CLBClippers at 7:05 p.m. ET.
Preview: https://t.co/jIW8WWE8rV pic.twitter.com/0e0Cf5E3rA
Barco, 24, earned the promotion after making history at Double-A Altoona, where he opened the season with a franchise-record 25 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings. The dominant stretch included just 11 hits allowed, 26 strikeouts, and a minuscule .70 WHIP, cementing his status as one of the Pirates’ most exciting pitching prospects. He was named Eastern League Pitcher of the Month this week for his performance.
Hunter Barco has been named Eastern League Pitcher of the Month 👏 pic.twitter.com/cZEcREUt7v
— Young Bucs (@YoungBucsPIT) May 5, 2025
The southpaw was recently added to MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list following the graduation of Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe to the big leagues. It's another acknowledgement of Barco's record-setting start to his season.
Now, he’ll face his toughest test yet against a Columbus lineup featuring red-hot Cleveland Guardians prospect C.J. Kayfus. Barco’s three-pitch arsenal — a low-to-mid 90s fastball, a sharp slider, and a plus splitter — will be put to the test as he looks to extend his scoreless streak at the next level.
The former Florida Gator has been on a rapid ascent since returning from 2022 Tommy John surgery, showcasing improved command and poise. If he continues his success in Indianapolis, a late-season MLB debut could be in play, further bolstering Pittsburgh’s deep pool of young rotation talent.
Even though the Pirates will be playing at the same time tonight, fans won't want to miss Barco’s first Triple-A start — tune in tonight to see if the lefty can keep his historic run alive.
Ethan Merrill is from Grand Rapids, MI, and brings with him a diverse background of experiences. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, he worked with the Arizona Diamondbacks for three seasons before settling in the Pittsburgh area in 2020. With a passion for sports and a growing connection to his community, Ethan brings a fresh perspective to covering the Pittsburgh Pirates.