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Pirates First Baseman Sidelined by Neck Discomfort
22 Apr
Summary
- Spencer Horwitz is out of the lineup due to neck discomfort.
- Ryan O'Hearn shifts to first base, Jake Mangum starts in right.
- Horwitz has a .782 OPS with 14 hits in 55 at-bats this season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have adjusted their lineup for their series opener against the Texas Rangers, removing first baseman Spencer Horwitz due to neck discomfort. This change sees Ryan O'Hearn transition from right field to first base, while Jake Mangum steps into right field.
Nick Gonzales moves up in the batting order to sixth, filling in for Brandon Lowe who is experiencing left knee pain. This is the first game Horwitz has missed due to injury in 2026, although he faced a significant wrist injury in 2025 that delayed his debut.
Horwitz has demonstrated a solid performance this season, maintaining a .255 batting average with a .782 OPS, contributing 14 hits, eight runs, and two home runs. He has been the primary first baseman, starting 17 of 19 games.
