With roster decisions looming, Jhostynxon Garcia and Mike Clevinger state cases for Pirates

LAKELAND, Fla. -- With the Spring Training road narrowing, the Pirates and 29 other clubs will have tough decisions to make. Mike Clevinger and Jhostynxon Garcia did their part to make things difficult Friday during a 7-5 victory over the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Garcia homered and finished with two hits, upping his batting average to .500. When considering the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues, only two players have more hits than Garcia (14).

Meanwhile, Clevinger gave the Pirates 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball, striking out five. He continues to look like a solid option for the team’s vacant fifth starter spot.

Here’s more on what each accomplished in Tigertown.

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Garcia’s big swing came on a hanging slider from Tigers starter Casey Mize in the third. The Pirates left fielder crushed it 108.5 mph into a stiff wind, depositing it over the left-field fence for a 4-0 lead.

The biggest change for Garcia has been his swing decisions, something Marcell Ozuna worked with him on a few weeks ago. Wait a few extra seconds, Ozuna said. See as much of the pitch as possible.

“I was with him last year in the Dominican Republic,” Garcia said. “When he signed with the Pirates, I knew it was gonna be great. I thought I could talk with him more to help me at the plate.”

Acquired for Johan Oviedo this winter, Garcia has impressed Pirates manager Don Kelly with his swing decisions — an area of emphasis the past few seasons, he said — plus the outfielder’s surprising defense.

Speaking Friday, Kelly also said he’s been impressed by Garcia’s speed.

“He gets going really well in the outfield,” Kelly said. “His outfield defense has been good. He’s handled himself really well in the opportunities he’s gotten. He hasn’t tried to do too much. You see the bat speed. It’s electric.”

It’s tough to see Garcia making the team because the Pirates have spots committed to Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Ryan O’Hearn and Jake Mangum. But he does give them some much-needed position-player depth.

The seeds for Garcia’s spring were planted early, when he arrived in Bradenton in January. That allowed him to meet new teammates and get comfortable. It has certainly been noticeable.

“I’m not worried about [making the team],” Garcia said. “I’m working on my things, and I’m trying to be better every day.”

Clevinger shines

Through four innings, Clevinger was unhittable, mixing a fastball that topped out at 96.4 mph with a terrific changeup and a few different spin pitches.

After striking out two of the first three hitters he faced, Clevinger induced a double play in the second and ended the frame by blowing a fastball past third baseman Colt Keith. His last strikeout came when he froze first baseman Spencer Torkelson on a changeup.

In 4 1/3 innings, Clevinger allowed two earned runs (scored after he was out of the game) while walking four and striking out five. His sweeper was a bit of a struggle, but everything else was sharp.

“I hope I've proved that I can compete anytime you give me the ball,” Clevinger said. “I’m just happy to be here. This is a fun team to be around. The lineup is looking really, really solid. I feel like we're a sleeper."

Other game notes

Chris Devenski left the game in the seventh inning when he was struck on the side of the head by a line drive. Per the Pirates, he's alert and currently being treated by the team's medical staff. … Endy Rodriguez finished with two hits to increase his average to .320. … Yohan Ramirez pitched a scoreless sixth, his fifth straight scoreless appearance. ... The Pirates are now 14-6 this spring.

Williams’ strong spring

A slick-fielding shortstop who’s been productive at the plate has been a consistent storyline of Pirates Spring Training. But Konnor Griffin isn’t the only one who fits that description.

Alika Williams began Friday’s game hitting .333 with a .915 OPS in 21 at-bats across 12 games, with a home run, five RBIs and five runs scored. It’s been a pleasant surprise for someone who’s been a .202 hitter during parts of two seasons in the big leagues.

But Williams, who turned 27 on Thursday, made a swing change midway through last season by noticeably dropping his hands. He’s also been cozying up to some of the veterans in the Pirates clubhouse, attempting to learn as much as possible.

“You see guys like Brandon Lowe, Bryan Reynolds and Ryan O’Hearn, you can learn a lot from how they prepare,” Williams said. “I’m learning how to dissect a scouting report better. I’ve known how to do that, but I think my game plan in the box has been better as far as what I’m trying to do with the baseball.”

For Williams, that involves hitting line drives and not trying to do much. The revamped attack plan started in June of last year at Triple-A, when he hit .342 with an .824 OPS, and it has carried over this spring.

Williams isn’t on the 40-man roster. But with above-average defensive capabilities at three different infield spots (everywhere but first), he’s certainly giving the Pirates something to consider.

“I feel good,” Williams said. “Each year you play pro ball, you gain a little confidence. This being my third camp, I’m getting more comfortable and confident."

Equipment drive

The Pirates will host an equipment drive at PNC Park on Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Mazeroski Way to collect gently used baseball equipment that will be shipped and donated to youth baseball partners in the Dominican Republic.

The drive was started by a player in the Pirates Nike RBI League, Clark Ehman, and continued by father (Joe) and younger brother (Luke). Everyone who donates at PNC Park will get a voucher for one free ticket to a Pirates home game in 2026.

Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and via X @JMackey_PGH.