Ryan Palencer
As seen in:
Bucs On Deck,
Substack
I am living my absolute dream! I write words, speak verbiage and take photos. Currently jotting down and sharing those remarks somewhere in the space of web.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Ryan Palencer
Braxton Ashcraft looks to pace to keep success going
After making his Major League debut on May 26, Braxton Ashcraft capped off a strong stretch in his career, where he’s jumped from A-Ball to the big leagues in just under 26 months since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. A lot of this success, Ashcraft credits to the pace and rhythm he’s able to generate on the mound. “For me, I grew up, playing the field,“ Ashcraft said. “I know how much more engaged I was, when the pitcher was working fast.
Nick Yorke brings confidence into season
While the 2025 season has seen some ups and downs early on for Nick Yorke, he knows that his approach works. Though confidence is a big key to any baseball player’s game, Yorke is able to base that belief this season on how last season wrapped up, and his promotion to Pittsburgh. “For me, it is just about knowing that I could (be a big leaguer),” Yorke said. “It’s a big confidence boost to know that what you’re doing is working, and you’re on the right track.
Matt Gorski carries hot start into season
For most players, seeing the games begin to count and departing spring training is a task they can’t wait for. However, when you have a spring like Matt Gorski did, the feeling is a bit less eager. In Florida, Gorski hit .360 with four home runs and a pair of doubles. All of this made quite an impression on the big league club, but he was still assigned to Indianapolis to start the season. “A lot of guys like the restart from spring to here,” Gorski said.
Bubba Chandler takes past experience to mound knowledge
When it comes to his vast sports background, Bubba Chandler has done a bit of everything. Chandler, currently a top prospect on the mound, earned the opportunity to hit some as well in professional baseball. He also received a scholarship to Clemson for football while also being an excellent golfer. However, when it comes to his first sports love, there could be a bit of a surprise. “I’d say my first love was probably catching,” Chandler said. “Catching was cool, but it’s really tough work.
Thomas Harrington looks to adjust to common roadblock
In his final start of the season on Wednesday night, Thomas Harrington allowed three hits and a run in the first inning. Afterward, he worked four more innings, allowing just four hits and an unearned run. This has been a common theme for Harrington. In his eight starts with Indianapolis, he has yielded 10 of his 18 runs in the first two innings of the game. “Being sharper in the first inning is something I need to get better at,” Harrington said.
Billy Cook takes a well-traveled path to Pirates
Billy Cook has seen a few stops this year. His travel included being traded at the deadline, but it ultimately culminated with his Major League debut on Sunday. As a professional baseball player and former military child of Air Force parents, Billy Cook is well-traveled in general. With his experience growing up, Cook has gotten used to the rigors of not being in one place too long, as ball players constantly experience. However, he is also a better teammate because of this.
Mike Burrows returns home after long road back
Mike Burrows is competitive and driven. To go along with that, he simply loves baseball. For anyone, waiting 436 days between doing the thing they most love is pure punishment. Add on top of that, the pain that comes with elbow UCL replacement, it’s piling on insult to injury. “Rehab is grueling, especially when you have 16 months in front of you,” Burrows said. “Getting to throwing was probably the hardest part, then getting to the bullpen phase.
Nick Yorke finds success in comfort
This season has been a banner year for Nick Yorke. He’s seeing success at baseball’s highest levels and is on the cusp of making his Major League debut. However, the real story started at home in California. Yorke’s mother, Robyn, was a four-time All-American softball player at Fresno State. In fact, he affectionately called her a “stud.” While Robyn was a school teacher, and preached education first, once that was complete, the agenda shifted to their common interest of athletics.
Malcom Nunez is coming into his own with Indianapolis
When looking at Malcom Nunez and his time at Triple-A, he feels like a grizzled veteran. However, it’s also easy to overlook that he’s only 23 and already has nearly 700 plate appearances at the level. While Nunez had a solid April, May and June saw him struggle and plate to a .234 batting average with 34 strikeouts and only eight extra-base hits. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Paul Skenes deals with pressure through mental strength
Saturday will be a culmination of a lot of things for Paul Skenes, when he makes his much-anticipated Major League debut. Over the last two summers, Skenes has enjoyed a lot of eyes on him and a bright spotlight. However, prior, Skenes was seeing success at a more grounded level at Air Force. So how did he deal with the sudden and deafening attention? “A whirlwind is a difficult thing to call it, because in the moment it doesn’t feel like a whirlwind,“ Skenes said.
Quinn Priester looks to take advantage of opportunity
After seeing his first full year in Triple-A last season and getting a taste of the big leagues to the tune of 50 innings, Quinn Priester now has the taste of baseball’s highest level. He entered this season with just one goal to prove he should be back. “I just have to get better and get back to the big leagues,” Priester said. Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Jared Jones uses aggressive mindset to advantage
Clearly, a lot has been made of Jared Jones forcing the hand to make the Pirates starting rotation out of Spring Training. For Indianapolis pitching coach Drew Benes, personal development, growth, and maturation have created this opportunity for Jones. “I’m really excited for (Jones),” Benes said. “To see, over the last couple of years, what he’s gotten done and has developed.
J.C. Flowers gains needed pitching experience
J.C. Flowers is an athlete. He joined several other notable athletes as an All-American at Florida State. However, Flowers was unique in that he was an All-American as both a pitcher and hitter…in the same season. In the same 2019 season, Flowers was listed on both the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Conference teams separately. He made the First Team as a relief pitcher, and the Third Team as a centerfielder. Again, J.C. Flowers is an athlete.
Tucupita Marcano’s offseason work led to an early promotion to Pittsburgh
Tucupita Marcano tore up Triple-A to start the 2023 season. The 23-year-old super utility player was hitting .422 with nine extra base knocks, leading to a 1.147 OPS. He had hits in 10 of his 11 games. Six of those 10 were multi-hit efforts. Three times this year, he had put together a three-hit game, including last Friday night. All of this, plus injuries in the majors, led to him getting promoted to Pittsburgh.
Quinn Priester’s Athleticism Fuels In-Game Adjustments on the Mound
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Many people reminisce about their high school football glory days, but far fewer apply those lessons to their current profession. One fact is evident about Quinn Priester: he takes great pride in his diverse athletic background, having been a high school football state champion in Illinois. Over the years, through other sports, Priester has gleaned tips that continue to benefit him on the pitcher’s mound today.
Cody Bolton Amped-Up For Move to the Bullpen
Cody Bolton has the bug. In the spring, the Pirates prepared Bolton for his new role within the organization. With this opportunity, he got a chance to pitch late in games. He even closed a few out. Now, there’s no going back from the feeling. “I got to close out a couple of games in the spring, and I haven’t gotten the opportunity to do that before,“ Bolton said. “It’s a different type of adrenaline rush.” Bolton said that he didn’t get to sleep until two in the morning following that rush.
Endy Rodriguez Feeling No Pressure and Enjoying the Game
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – These days, Endy Rodriguez garners significant attention. Bombarded by media on his first day in Indianapolis this week, Rodriguez was asked if he feels any pressure due to the lofty expectations surrounding him. Without allowing the question to finish, Rodriguez responded with a brief, emphatic “no.” Though Rodriguez has long been a fixture on prospect lists, his profile soared following an impressive breakout campaign in 2022.
Travis Swaggerty Embraces Daily Playing Time in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Typically, the strongest performers earn the opportunity to break Spring Training with the big league club. Travis Swaggerty ranked second on the Pirates this spring with three home runs and tied for fifth with his 11 hits, while gaining just 29 at bats with the big club. He easily passed the eye test on the field in Bradenton. Swaggerty will be chasing down balls to start the season in Indianapolis. This assignment could create a setback for some players, but not for Swaggerty.
Noe Toribio Sees Growth As a Reliever
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – It was a season of ups and downs for Noe Toribio in 2022. The right-handed pitcher dominated in 15 games with Double-A Altoona to begin the season. He pitched to a 1.85 ERA and struck out 10.6 per nine innings. There was nothing left for him to prove, so he was promoted to Indianapolis and made his Triple-A debut on June 23. Toribio got off to a quick start with Indianapolis. In his first eight games, he allowed seven runs and 10 hits in 17 innings.
John O’Reilly Finished Strong After Rollercoaster Season
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – For right handed pitcher John O’Reilly, the 2022 season was a bit of a roller coaster ride. Overall, O’Reilly posted an ERA just south of six, and allowed 70 hits and 61.2 innings of relief. However, the 26-year-old O’Reilly hit his groove in August. In eight appearances, spanning 13.2 innings, O’Reilly allowed just seven hits and one run. With this, he was named Indianapolis player of the month. “It was really cool [to be August player of the month],” O’Reilly said at the time.
Beau Sulser shows improved effectiveness as a reliever
The 2021 campaign was a very interesting one for Beau Sulser. He started the season in the Pirates organization, and ended it with them. However, there was a bit of a journey along the way. On April 26, Sulser made his Major League debut with Pittsburgh. After appearing in four games in relief for the Pirates, Sulser was designated for assignment when the Pirates claimed Tyler Beede on May 12. Sulser was claimed by Baltimore shortly after.
Osvaldo Bido Finished the 2022 Season With an Increase in Strikeouts – Pirates Prospects
PREMIUM CONTENT Pirates Prospects has been independently covering the Pittsburgh Pirates and their farm system since 2009. All of our content on this site -- a site that features no advertisements and only our content -- is made possible from subscriptions. Your support allows this unique media company to continue doing what we do best -- and as an added bonus, you'll get to read the rest of this article. Learn more about a Pirates Prospects subscription.
Travis MacGregor Overcoming Nearly Three Lost Seasons – Pirates Prospects
PREMIUM CONTENT Pirates Prospects has been independently covering the Pittsburgh Pirates and their farm system since 2009. All of our content on this site -- a site that features no advertisements and only our content -- is made possible from subscriptions. Your support allows this unique media company to continue doing what we do best -- and as an added bonus, you'll get to read the rest of this article. Learn more about a Pirates Prospects subscription.
Jared Oliva Shows Off His Hustle With an Inside the Park Homer – Pirates Prospects
PREMIUM CONTENT Pirates Prospects has been independently covering the Pittsburgh Pirates and their farm system since 2009. All of our content on this site -- a site that features no advertisements and only our content -- is made possible from subscriptions. Your support allows this unique media company to continue doing what we do best -- and as an added bonus, you'll get to read the rest of this article. Learn more about a Pirates Prospects subscription.
“The Pirates do it right. They’re rebuilding the right way.” – Pirates Prospects
PREMIUM CONTENT Pirates Prospects has been independently covering the Pittsburgh Pirates and their farm system since 2009. All of our content on this site -- a site that features no advertisements and only our content -- is made possible from subscriptions. Your support allows this unique media company to continue doing what we do best -- and as an added bonus, you'll get to read the rest of this article. Learn more about a Pirates Prospects subscription.
Strikeouts Are the Focus For Hunter Stratton – Pirates Prospects
PREMIUM CONTENT Pirates Prospects has been independently covering the Pittsburgh Pirates and their farm system since 2009. All of our content on this site -- a site that features no advertisements and only our content -- is made possible from subscriptions. Your support allows this unique media company to continue doing what we do best -- and as an added bonus, you'll get to read the rest of this article. Learn more about a Pirates Prospects subscription.
Nick Mears looks to rebound during tough season – Pirates Prospects
PREMIUM CONTENT Pirates Prospects has been independently covering the Pittsburgh Pirates and their farm system since 2009. All of our content on this site -- a site that features no advertisements and only our content -- is made possible from subscriptions. Your support allows this unique media company to continue doing what we do best -- and as an added bonus, you'll get to read the rest of this article. Learn more about a Pirates Prospects subscription.
Brendt Citta has reached a very difficult doorstep – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Baseball has taken Brendt Citta on quite a journey. However, that trip has not included very many paved roads. This path began at San Jose State in 2016. Citta played in 50 games and hit .230 with a .609 OPS. Following that campaign, Citta decided to transfer to Kansas. Based on this decision, he missed the 2017 season as a transfer redshirt. This is where the road that began as gravel, became a back country road. During the 2018 season, Citta hit .322 with an .870 OPS of Kansas.
Johan Oviedo enjoys the opportunity to start again – Pirates Prospects
PREMIUM CONTENT Pirates Prospects has been independently covering the Pittsburgh Pirates and their farm system since 2009. All of our content on this site -- a site that features no advertisements and only our content -- is made possible from subscriptions. Your support allows this unique media company to continue doing what we do best -- and as an added bonus, you'll get to read the rest of this article. Learn more about a Pirates Prospects subscription.
Carter Bins reworks swing and discusses Triple-A adjustments – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - While his batting average has not been ideal in 2022, Carter Bins is on pace for career highs in doubles and home runs. The Indianapolis catcher is batting .198/.286/.383 with six homers in 189 plate appearances. Bins, who was acquired in the Tyler Anderson trade last July, is also closing in on a career high in games played. Overall, he is pleased with the quality of play this season. “[The swing] feels really good,” Bins said.
Jeremy Beasley Had His Eye on the Pirates Before They Traded For Him – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Jeremy Beasley joined the Pirates last week in a last minute deadline trade for cash. It’s a deal that could fly under the radar for most — except Beasley, who had a bit of prophesy this past offseason. In sitting down with his fiancé, they planned out everything that Beasley needed to stick in the big leagues. Along with limiting his walks, Beasley made a list of the ideal bullpen situations where he fit the best. The number one team atop his list: the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Teaching the MLB Mindset in Triple-A – Pirates Prospects
PREMIUM CONTENT Pirates Prospects has been independently covering the Pittsburgh Pirates and their farm system since 2009. All of our content on this site -- a site that features no advertisements and only our content -- is made possible from subscriptions. Your support allows this unique media company to continue doing what we do best -- and as an added bonus, you'll get to read the rest of this article. Learn more about a Pirates Prospects subscription.
Rodolfo Castro is working on his defense to get back to Pittsburgh – Pirates Prospects
Subscribe to Pirates Prospects today. Subscribers get access to every premium article on the site, along with all of our exclusive live coverage of the Pirates' minor league system, all for a very low monthly or yearly rate.
Travis Swaggerty on Learning the Corners – Pirates Prospects
Subscribe to Pirates Prospects today. Subscribers get access to every premium article on the site, along with all of our exclusive live coverage of the Pirates' minor league system, all for a very low monthly or yearly rate.
Bryse Wilson Looking to Get Beyond First Inning Woes – Pirates Prospects
There were high hopes as a starter this season for Bryse Wilson with the Pirates. It has not gone exactly to plan, as Wilson has a 7.49 ERA through 10 games with Pittsburgh. He has allowed 55 hits in 39.2 frames, while walking 16 in those contests. Wilson was optioned to Indianapolis last month. Since being optioned, he has shown some progress. In five starts with Indianapolis, Wilson’s WHIP is just north of one. His strikeouts are up and his walks are down. “Everything feels good,” Wilson said.
Mason Martin Working on Adjustments to Shorten Swing – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – After taking the league by storm for the first month of the season, Mason Martin has hit an extended rough patch. Through April, Martin was hitting .303 with a 1.021 OPS. While he hit seven home runs in May, he also only hit .190 with 40 strikeouts in 25 games and 111 plate appearances. In June, Martin had just one home run. Conversely, he struck out 39 times in 87 plate appearances. Even with the struggles, Martin knows it’s going to turn it around and remains confident.
Indianapolis Highlights the Pirates’ Youth Movement – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The hitting prospects in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ system are used to being the youngest on the field. For example, since the 2019 season, Canaan Smith-Njigba has one game — with three at bats — against a pitcher that is younger than him. That occurred this season in St. Paul. While that task can be daunting for some, Smith-Njigba takes it as a challenge. However, it’s not a challenge that makes him uneasy in any form. “There are always pros and cons,“ Smith-Njigba said.
Cody Bolton Discusses Pitches and Limits – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Cody Bolton was a bit of a forgotten prospect coming into the year. After having not pitched in a couple of years due to injuries, Bolton was challenged to start the season in Triple-A. He has been up to that challenge, and more, all season long. Coming into this week, Bolton has a 3.05 ERA in 41.1 innings in his Triple-A debut. He’s striking out over a batter an inning, and limiting opposing hitters to a .185 batting average against.
Canaan Smith-Njigba takes hard-nosed approach – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – It’s pretty simple to see how 23-year-old Canaan Smith-Njigba earned his first Major League promotion this week with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Throughout the season, despite ups and downs, two constants remain for the six-foot, 215 pound outfielder — playing hard, and confidence. On at least a handful of occasions, Smith-Njigba stretched an easy single into a hustle-double.
What Leads Oneil Cruz to the Easy Power Numbers He’s Shown Lately? – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Over the past few weeks, we have seen Oneil Cruz appear to barely swing at a ball on several occasions, only for that ball to end up over the fence. Clearly, this is what has the baseball world salivating over the 6-foot-7 power hitter. Below is exhibit A of that effortless power. Indianapolis hitting coach Eric Munson gets a chance to see Cruz every day. Munson said that increased effort level is actually at times detrimental to Cruz’s hacks.
Ji-hwan Bae Looks to Continue Second-Half Trend – Pirates Prospects
Ji-hwan Bae has made a strong first impression in Triple-A, during the typically colder months. Bae has a .287/.367/.466 line in 199 plate appearances heading into this week, with five homers and 11 stolen bases. There is some potentially better news for the Pirates prospect. “I am really more comfortable in the second half than the first half,” Bae said. “My eyes get used to the pitchers and everything like that.
Mason Martin Focuses on His Defense at First Base – Pirates Prospects
Much of the hot press on Mason Martin has been about his ability to hit the ball a long way. However, Martin has another strength he’s been working on between the lines — his glove work. “I pride myself, not just on being a really good defender, but also getting better everyday and trying to make progress every single season,” Martin said. “I’m really excited where my glove is at and keep trying to find ways to grow and get better.
Bligh Madris reworks swing to gain elevation – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Bligh Madris is a new hitter. This is apparent both from his big Spring Training, to just watching his swing. Last season, Madris with crouched and had his hands lower. Despite a pretty successful 2021 campaign at Triple-A, Madris opted to re-work his approach this year. Now, he is upright, with his hands higher and loaded. With the efforts to adjust, he noticed the dividends pay off quickly in the swing alterations. Madris hit .368 with three homers and two doubles in the spring.
Strikeouts Are Becoming a Theme For Indianapolis Hitters – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – There are two common themes with the Indianapolis offense this season. They run, and they strikeout…a lot. More than just looking at the box score, it is clear while watching the team on the field. Not only does the team strikeout, the power numbers have not followed. As a team, Indianapolis has struck out 244 times in 821 at bats through Friday. As Tim Williams pointed out last week, Indianapolis is part of a system trend of higher strikeouts.
Oneil Cruz can play shortstop today, but later is a question – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Oneil Cruz has a strong desire to be a shortstop. He does not want to play in the outfield. This has been clear in both his body language and his words. At the same time, he also knows the unique situation that he is in with his body type and the position. “I am unique,” Cruz said through Miguel Perez’s translation. “I might be the only guy, or one of the few, who can play shortstop at my height.” The height isn’t the only issue for Cruz at shortstop.
Roansy Contreras’ windup change has shown results – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Prior to being traded to the Pirates, Roansy Contreras had solid numbers, but just lacked a bit of the domination factor. Following the trade, Contreras was a different pitcher. His K/9 rates nearly doubled between Double-A, Triple-A and the big leagues, without increasing his walk numbers. Simply put, the Pirates found a hidden gem in the Jameson Taillon deal. Between 2019 and last season, Contreras simplified his delivery. However, this season, he took it even a step further.
Cal Mitchell is fast now – Pirates Prospects
Cal Mitchell has a saying: He is fast now. He would like for everyone to know. Not in a boastful way, but still confident of his abilities and a misconception. “It was always kind of a running joke with my friends and the Pirates that I was slow,” Mitchell said. “That kind of took hold a little bit, so I wanted to remind everyone that I can run.” However, this rumor is not just within his personal network, or even the Pirates.
Yerry De Los Santos thrives in pressure situations – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Stepping to the mound in the ninth inning in a combined no hitter, wanting to maintain that so badly for the hurlers prior, is an extremely pressure-packed situation. This is just the scenario that Yerry De Los Santos found himself in on April 13 in St Paul with all eyes on him. Eleven pitches, seven strikes, and a pair of strikeouts later, the 24-year-old slammed the door shut in dominating form.
Indianapolis turns preparation into action with speed – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Watching Indianapolis in the early season, it is clear that they are trying to create an identity of utilizing speed and timely stolen bases. This is not a coincidence, as the squad has seven players who have stolen multiple bases just three weeks into the campaign. “With the guys that we have, running the bases and team speed are some of our identities,” Indianapolis manager Miguel Perez said. “We are going to steal bases.
Indianapolis manager Miguel Perez is not worried about Oneil Cruz’s slow start – Pirates Prospects
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – When looking at the stats on paper, it is easy to wonder what is going on with Oneil Cruz. The top prospect is hitting just an even Mendoza line .200 through Friday night. However, Indianapolis manager Miguel Perez knows that the stats and the surface level is not telling the full story on what he has seen from Cruz so far. “I am actually happy with the way that Oneil has handed the slow start,” Perez said. “He knows that he is going to get out of there.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Ryan
Contact Ryan, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack