Solometo’s Spirits Remain High During Rehab Journey

Anthony Solometo is literally and figuratively in a good place.

Pirate City in Bradenton is where Solometo, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching prospect, is calling home until the start of spring training next February. Physically, doing what’s prescribed by the organization’s medical team to strengthen his left shoulder, the southpaw is following orders "to a T."

Solometo, 22, is at peace. During a mid-week, oppressively humid day in Southwest Florida, the Pirates’ second-round draft selection in 2021 appears ready to start a ball game. He is friendly, respectful, and confident that he has a future on Federal Street in “The Burgh”.

So far, now in his fourth professional season, Solometo’s career isn’t where he had hoped. In fact, last season, that is when Solometo visualized himself on the Pirates’ 26-man roster. Derailed from his personal projections, Solometo isn’t sulking or creating excuses as to why he’s in Bradenton and not part of the Pirates’ starting rotation.

“It’s been difficult to deal with,” says Solometo when speaking to The Bradenton Times earlier this week. “Most important in this process is my faith. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel in this whole situation.”

Finding confidence in his own rehab, Solometo tells of seeing teammates who have gone through the same process as he and have made successful comebacks. This attitude could hasten his stay in Bradenton.

Conditioned to be around teammates and those who coach, manage, and train him, and now to find himself a roster of one, Solometo doesn’t appear swayed to being a victim of occupational circumstance—quite the contrary. Back home in Voorhees Township, N.J., just a “Cruz Missile” from the Philadelphia, Solometo has an “army” of support checking in on him.

Along with his family and girlfriend Natalia, Solometo has the necessary support away from baseball to keep him positive. His shoulder injury, the first serious setback in his career, was initially difficult for Solometo to get a handle on.

“I don’t believe in motivation,” declares Solometo. “Discipline is what motivates me.”

A slap tear injury, which Solometo says is sidelining him, is common among pitchers. His rehabilitation process is now person-to-person, a far cry from being in the company of 40 or so club members.

“My adrenaline is through the roof,” Solometo chimes. “I can see my baseball dream coming true.”

A self-professed hometown Eagles, Flyers, and Phillies fan, Solometo now says his MLB allegiance is Pirates-centric. His ultimate career moment, for now, would be on the mound at either Citizens Bank Park in Philly or PNC Park staring down a Phillies’ lineup.

Solometo believes that when he’s pitching, he is the best player on the field. He is a leader in search of a team. However, for now, his future is judged on a week-to-week basis. Lifting weights overhead to build up his shoulder muscles, Solometo is following the plan laid out for him with gusto.

It’s a work in progress with no set hours, and overtime if necessary.

The 2025 season began with excitement for Solometo, as he was a non-roster invitee to spring training with the Pirates. Then, in May, while with Double-A Altoona Curve, the shoulder injury occurred. Being placed on the injured list shortly thereafter, Solometo remains in Bradenton to recover physically.

The talent Solometo processes is obvious. What sold the Pirates on drafting him in 2021 came in his senior year of high school. While pitching at Bishop Eustace Prep in Pennsauken, N.J., Solometo’s numbers were numbing. He posted a 0.22 ERA and racked up 65 strikeouts over 32.1 innings.

After speaking with Solometo in a cool conference room at Pirate City and seeing a genuine, determined young man who is far more relaxed than others may find themselves in the same situation and at the same age, I became an instant fan of the southpaw from New Jersey. I have been reminded many times that there isn’t any cheering in the press box. Well, nobody said you couldn’t root for an obviously well-parented young man working hard at fulfilling his life dream, while inside a conference room.

So here I am clapping and cheering for Solometo. No regrets.