PITTSBURGH -- Rafael Flores was getting ready for his game against the Gwinnett Stripers when he got a text message from his manager at Triple-A Indianapolis, Shawn Bowman, telling him to go to the lobby. Bowman told him that he was getting scratched from the lineup.

When Flores pushed back, asking why, Bowman told him it was because he was going to Pittsburgh.

“I tried not to cry, but it's kind of the moment you want your entire life,” said Flores, a catcher and first baseman. “It happens, and your hands get sweaty and it's a great moment."

As Flores shared the news with his mother, Silvia, she asked, “So you’re not coming home soon?” No, there is still some season to be played, in Pittsburgh.

The Pirates selected the contract of their No. 8 prospect in the MLB Pipeline rankings b

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