The Pittsburgh Pirates are preparing to bolster their offense as they look to improve their dismal batting performance this season. First baseman Spencer Horwitz is en route to Pirate City to face live pitching, signaling the start of his rehab assignment after the Pirates acquired him from the Cleveland Guardians. The acquisition, which involved sending pitcher Luis Ortiz and other prospects, is expected to help the Pirates when Horwitz officially joins the lineup in late April or early May.