BRADENTON, Fla. -- Earlier this week, Corey Dickerson surprised Pirates outfield coach Kimera Bartee with a golden gift.

Dickerson received four custom gloves from Rawlings after winning his first Gold Glove Award last season. They’re black with an inscription of Dickerson’s last name and, of course, gold accents. Not long after they arrived at LECOM Park, Dickerson put three of them in his locker and gave the fourth to Bartee.

“It was a matter of respect, just telling him thank you for his big part in it,” Dickerson said. “A lot of people that help get overlooked, so it was good to recognize him.”

The day Dickerson reported to Pirates camp last spring, he told Bartee that he wanted to win a Gold Glove. It might have seemed unrealistic at the time, as Dickerson came from the Rays with a reputation as a below-average defensive outfielder. But Dickerson showed up with a series of goals and a list of areas in which he could improve, and Bartee helped him turn into the National League’s best left fielder.

Still, Bartee was caught off-guard when Dickerson approached him during batting practice, gave him a hug and presented him with the special glove. Both agree that Bartee “almost” cried, but Bartee says with a smile that he didn’t want to get emotional in front of everyone.

“A selfless act like that, that doesn’t surprise me at all. I’m humbled because I’m happy for him and I’m happy for his family and I’m happy that he set out to pursue a goal then was rewarded for it,” Bartee said. “The gesture of giving me the glove, it was shocking that I got it -- but it doesn’t surprise you when you think about the man.”

Don’t expect to see Bartee wearing that glove around the ballpark, though. He’ll find somewhere special to store it for safe-keeping. And he wouldn’t mind making room for another one.

“It’ll be treated with the respect that it deserves,” Bartee said. “It’s a respectful gesture. It’s a humbling gesture. It’ll be in good hands. And if he ever needs it, he’s got it. It’ll be waiting for him.

“Hopefully, we’ve got a few more coming.”

Lyles on the mound

Right-hander Jordan Lyles, who exited his outing on Tuesday after two innings due to cramping in his right side, threw a bullpen session on Saturday morning. Lyles is competing with Nick Kingham and Steven Brault for the fifth spot in the Pirates’ rotation and appears to be the leading candidate.

“He came in with the inside track, and he’s done nothing to lose that,” general manager Neal Huntington said earlier this week. “The other two haven’t done anything to take it away from him.”

Diaz on the mend

Elias Diaz, who missed two weeks of Spring Training due to a virus, caught Lyles’ bullpen session at LECOM Park. He has been back in camp a few days, playing catch and working out as he returns to playing shape.

“I’m feeling good,” Diaz said.

Diaz hasn’t played in a game this spring and isn’t expected to be on the Opening Day roster. That clears a spot for Jacob Stallings to make the team as Francisco Cervelli’s backup, and it allows the Pirates to ease Diaz back into action rather than rushing him to be ready in 12 days.

“I think we’re really running up against the calendar,” director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said on Thursday. “Not far behind, but there’s going to be some challenges there. We’re still having conversations, we’re still working through it with the doctors, Clint [Hurdle] and Neal.”

Diaz said he lost a few pounds while he was ill, but he is pleased with his energy level despite the time he missed. He is testing himself physically by lifting in the weight room and doing conditioning drills.

“I just feel so happy to be in the clubhouse, to be with the team again,” Diaz said. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I’m healthy now. I’m happy for that.”

Game report

The Pirates lost to old friends Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer's Tigers by a score of 6-3 on Saturday at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla. After throwing five scoreless innings over his first two spring starts, Chris Archer allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits with four strikeouts in three innings. Righty Jake Barrett pitched a scoreless inning in his Pirates debut, and Clay Holmes and Geoff Hartlieb each put up a scoreless frame.

Third baseman Colin Moran went 0-for-2 with a walk and committed his fourth error of the spring. Shortstop Kevin Newman had one hit in three at-bats. Outfielder Bryan Reynolds, the Pirates' No. 8 prospect per MLB Pipeline, drove in a pair of runs, and first-base prospect Will Craig walked three times.

Up next

Opening Day starter Jameson Taillon will take the mound as the Pirates host the Red Sox at 1:05 p.m. ET on Sunday at LECOM Park. This will be Taillon’s penultimate spring outing, as he has time to pitch once more before facing the Reds on March 28 in Cincinnati. Bullpen candidates Francisco Liriano, Nick Burdi and Brandon Maurer are also scheduled to pitch for Pittsburgh. The game will air on AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, MLB.TV, KDKA-FM and the Pirates Radio Network.