PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The starting shortstop on Opening Day, the Pirates welcomed back Jared Triolo from a rehab assignment on Saturday. But with Nick Gonzales hot at the plate, how will that play out?
Gonzales has hits in 11 of the last 12 games including a three-hit game on Friday and was in the lineup at third base on Saturday. Gonzales raised his average 75 points and his OPS is now .765. Triolo is a Gold Glove fielder, but has struggled at the plate.
“We’re going to have to figure that out as we go,” said Pirates manager Don Kelly. “Gonzo’s been doing a great job offensively and he’s gotten better defensively and just finding ways to get them both in and I think that was a challenge with Nick Yorke too. If Nick’s here, how do we find time for all three of them was going to be really challenging.”
Yorke was sent down as the roster move to activate Triolo. Kelly called it a tough decision saying Yorke did ‘a really good job’. He believes Yorke is going to be an everyday player in the bigs at some point and will get the opportunity to play every day at AAA. Yorke is hitting .221 with a homer and 6 RBI in his limited chances this year at MLB.
The Pirates manager said he doesn’t know if Triolo and Gonzales will be a 50-50 split, he said he’ll figure that out and get into a rhythm.
What Kelly did point out is that they have many options for Triolo to play short to give Konnor Griffin a day off, he can play at first base as well. Outfield is not likely an option, but Triolo can play there.
Interesting to watch, but good for Kelly he’s getting production out of a position of concern to start the season.
Pirates manager Don Kelly explains using Jared and Nick Gonzales
Pirates manager Don Kelly explains using Jared and Nick Gonzales
