CINCINNATI — As Camilo Doval spoke for the first time as a Pirate Sunday morning at Great American Ball Park, there was plenty of laughter in the corner of the clubhouse between Gregory Soto, Yohan Ramirez and others.
That's not quite Doval's personality — he's much more reserved — but if this goes well, the hard-throwing reliever could ingratiate himself with his new team by routinely delivering some quiet, peaceful innings.
"I think I’ll find a happy medium, a common ground with those guys," Doval said, with Major League coach Stephen Morales. Doval was talking about being quiet and reserved instead of loud and boisterous.
"That’s how I was raised. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to talk to people. It’s just the way I am."
The Pirates need the best version of Doval, who had 105 saves and struck out 317 over 259 innings from 2022-25, tying for the National League lead in saves (39) and making the MLB All-Star Game in 2023.
Doval offers experience at the back end. He also has a solid sinker-cutter combination that clocks in around 98-99 mph, occasionally touching triple digits.
It’s why the Pirates are confident they can work with Doval and help him find a different level of performance.
That could involve refining a cutter that has netted a .344 batting average against and maybe accentuating his slider, which has achieved a 43.5% whiff rate.
Doval has the raw stuff. He simply needs to do a better job of putting it all together. Given how things have gone with the Yankees — a 4.54 ERA in 44 games — Doval is excited for a fresh start.
“It feels great to be here,” Doval said. “The vibes are already are pretty good. There are some players I’ve played with before. It feels really good.
“I’m happy [the Pirates] brought me here and trust the stuff they know I can do.”
When the Pirates played at Yankee Stadium on their last road trip, Doval said he noticed the “unity” on the team and how hard Pittsburgh plays.
It’s why he wasn’t at all upset when he learned about the trade.
Pitching in Pittsburgh should also be quite a bit different for Doval, who had some drastic home-road splits. At Yankee Stadium, Doval had a 7.08 ERA and allowed five home runs in 20 1/3 innings.
But in road games, he had a 1.86 ERA and allowed just one homer in 19 1/3 innings. Doval also posted a .159 batting average against and 0.98 WHIP over 24 appearances.
“It’s a mental thing,” Doval said. “You have to prepare yourself to pitch anywhere at any time in the big leagues.”
Or in any situation.
We’ll see exactly how the Pirates use Doval, but he said he’s open to whatever helps the team win, emphasizing that point several times.
“I haven’t heard the specific role, but it doesn’t matter because I’m here to pitch,” Doval said. “Wherever they need me to throw in the game, I’ll be ready. Time will tell with my job and what kind of role or where I’m gonna land.”
Horwitz returns
When Spencer Horwitz was in Florida rehabbing from a left hamstring strain, the Pirates first baseman admitted he suffered from FOMO — fear of missing out.
“Because of how much fun it looked like they were having when they were playing well,” said Horwitz, who was activated from the injured list Sunday morning. “Then these last few games have been frustrating, too, because I can't be in there to help.
“It’s exciting to get more skin in the game."
The return couldn’t come at a better time, as Ryan O’Hearn will be out for 6-8 weeks with a left quad strain. Horwitz offers solid offense at first base and figures to be in the lineup most days.
To make room on the active roster, Billy Cook was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis. Isaac Mattson also went down to make room for Doval.
Horwitz is hitting .280 with an .842 OPS in 74 MLB games, amassing 11 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs, 33 RBIs and 36 runs scored. His plate discipline has been evident in the fact that he’s walked as many times as he’s struck out — 40.
The lefty hitting Horwitz has an .883 OPS against right-handed pitching this season and already has four leadoff homers. With one more, he’d become one of just six Pirates since 1901 with five leadoff home runs in a year.
“Quality at-bats is the main thing. The hits will come,” Horwitz said when asked about his productive season. “Our focus right now is winning."
Horwitz undoubtedly contributes toward that goal. When he healthy, he’s been among the most productive hitters in the Pirates lineup.
The concussion he suffered after getting hit in the helmet during a rehab game was frustrating and delayed his recovery. But Horwitz can’t wait to return and start contributing again.
“Guys are champing at the bit to keep going,” Horwitz said. “They're still hungry and they want more and more. I’ve missed being a part of that.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.