Pirates’ off season programs to change

The Pirates are holding a series of mini camps during the off-season to keep the players on their conditioning programs.

This year, however, the Bucs are adjusting the conditioning programs.

Pitchers will start their throwing programs later than normal, and the mini camp that takes place in Bradenton, Florida in January will be more toward conditioning than baseball activities. (The past three off seasons, the pitchers would begin throwing off the mound)

Manager John Russell said the pitchers will ramp up their throwing programs after that camp and in the final month before Spring Training.

The Pirates plan to hold a few of additional conditioning camps throughout the fall, including one here in Pittsburgh.

Conditioning coordinator Frank Velasquez will also be making visits to the players to ensure they are still on their programs.