The Pittsburgh Pirates need to quickly start stacking wins to seriously challenge for a playoff spot. Everything is on the table, including batting one of their best hitters in a new spot.
In an interesting move, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle shook up his lineup in advance of tonight’s game, most notably slotting Gregory Polanco in at cleanup.
Here's our lineup for tonight.#LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/BHEhdVGOXe
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 9, 2016
A Rare Sight Indeed
Polanco has all of four plate appearances at the slot, and has never started a game batting fourth.
It is a bold move by a manager in search of looking for the right configuration of talent. What is particularly interesting about this lineup is that it keeps Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen and Polanco together. We have seen that trio do wonderful things at times when slotted together – though not necessarily in this order. Of course, that was when McCutchen was not mired in the worst season of his professional career.
Polanco will also be making his first start since August third after dealing with nagging injuries.
At this time, Hurdle has not given any indication that this move will be an extended one. We will update this post with that information as it comes available.
Other Lineup Thoughts
- John Jaso continues to be in this Pirates lineup despite an epic summer swoon. Hurdle’s hands may be tied by needing to slot David Freese at third base due to Jung Ho Kang‘s extended struggles
- Sean Rodriguez will hit eighth tonight, and that may not be a very good spot for him. Rodriguez’s contributions to this team have come chiefly from the seventh spot, where he was afforded a bit more protection
- Francisco Cervelli could benefit from Rodriguez batting eighth. Cervelli is hitting .286 since his return, but has just four RBI.
Featured Photo Credit – Daniel Decker Photography
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
