Here are the highlights of Pirates GM Neal Huntington’s Sunday chat with the media, via Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- The Pirates acquired versatile infielders Jung-Ho Kang and Sean Rodriguez to give Clint Hurdle more tactical options and to allow the team to be more “proactive” about resting starters, Huntington says. Both players have, perhaps, been more useful than the Pirates anticipated — Kang is hitting .304/.369/.435 and has lately worked his way into regular duty, and Rodriguez has seen plenty of time at first base as well as the outfield corners.
- Third baseman Josh Harrison struggled early in the season after signing an extension in Spring Training, but he’s hit well recently, batting .488/.511/.714 in his last two weeks before today’s game against the Mets. “It looks like a guy that’s having fun playing the game again,” says Huntington. “Just showing up with energy every day and trying to do everything in his power to help a club win versus trying to justify.”
- Prospect Nick Kingham has yet to get a second opinion for his elbow injury, two weeks after it was reported he was going to seek one. “Nick chose a very busy doctor. Our hope is to get him in this week, and we’ll have an update after that,” Huntington says. Kingham has not pitched since May 6, but the severity of his injury is still unclear. He was set to provide the Pirates with rotation depth this season. MLB.com ranks him the sixth-best prospect in a strong Bucs system.
Kingham is probably going to need TJ, just get it done already. Kang and Rodriguez both proving to be very good pick ups by NH, especially Kang. This team is not 21-22 without him.
Who wouldn’t be having fun playing the game when they’re batting .488/.511/.714?
Ha, but he was struggling.
I thought maybe it was the big contract.
However, he was just too good not to bounce back.
I am happy for him.
He’s a lot of fun to watch.
Rodriguez has been a pleasant surprise so far. I was quite skeptical since he was dfa’d by Tampa bay. I just hope that when the league catches on to what Kang can’t handle he can make adjustments and continue the production. Seems like a great deal for Pittsburgh so far.
Kang and Harrisson have looked great voter the past month. If Polanco can reach base consistently, this offense will be a force down the stretch.
Any word on Jameson Taillon’s rehab? Can Pirates fans expect to see him at any point this season?
He has thrown live pitching I believe in extended spring training. I’d say maybe a September call up if all goes well.