After disappointing years, Pirates, Athletics looking ahead to next season

(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

As the Pittsburgh Pirates and Athletics wind down their unremarkable seasons, expect to see a number of players get their first opportunities in the major leagues, maybe even on Friday night when they open a three-game series in Pittsburgh.

Rafael Flores, who was acquired from the New York Yankees in a trade for right-handed pitcher David Bednar on July 31, earn