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, earned his opportunity with the Pirates (65-88) on Wednesday, playing first base and going 1-for-3 with a walk in the 8-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

"Getting traded definitely was a little weird," Flores said. "It's something you're not really taught to do. You kind of just have to go through it, and I think it was all a benefit for me. I got here and I was uncomfortable. I used that uncomfortable feeling to my benefit."

Flores, who g

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