Perrotto: Improvement in One Area Makes Canaan Njigba-Smith Intriguing (+)
PITTSBURGH – Canaan Smith-Njigba’s latest stint in the major leagues could be short-lived.
When the Pittsburgh Pirates return to action Tuesday night in Chicago following their second off day in five days Monday, they will likely add a pitcher to the roster and drop a hitter.
Smith-Njigba figures to be the most likely position player to go despite just being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday. Nevertheless, the rookie outfielder is starting to show that he could be more than just a weekend fill-in at the major-league level.
After making the opening-day roster, then struggling early in the season, Smith-Njigba was optioned to Indianapolis on April 26. He responded by hitting .245/.339/.547 with seven home runs in 28 games.
The power numbers particularly stood out because Smith-Njigba hadn’t had the profile of a player with that kind of pop in the past. He never hit more than 11 homers in any of his first five minor-league seasons and had a total of 20.
Last year, he homered only once in 218 plate appearances with Indianapolis.
So, what gives with the home runs? Smith-Njigba says the answer is simply opportunity.
“I think you saw it in spring training because I was getting everyday at-bats,” he said. “I think going down to Triple-A, finding my groove, getting everyday at-bats, sparks what I can do in the lineup day in and day out. It was a good feeling knowing that I’m still that guy.”
Smith-Njigba used a big Grapefruit League season to make the team. The 24-year-old hit .333 (16 for 48) with three doubles, three homers and 14 RBIs.
Yet after being the opening-day right fielder, Smith-Njigba hit .125/.216/.219 with no homer in 15 games with the Pirates.
“It wasn’t really fair up here,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “He made the club out of spring training and very much deserved to and then it was inconsistent at-bats. What we felt when we sent him out, the message was, we need him to play every day. That’s what he was doing down there, and he was just more consistent.”
Smith-Njigba also showed improved defensive play after being sent to the minor leagues. He started 14 games in left field and nine in right for Indianapolis.
“I pride myself on being an everyday player. Pride myself not just being a hitter but a defender, baserunner,” Smith-Njigba said. “Just a guy that can change the game, change the outcome. I just take pride in that. Anytime I can have the pitchers get one less out or get off the field quick, it’s a great feeling.”
It wasn’t such a great feeling getting sent down, though, especially after the elation of being in the starting lineup for his first opening day at the major-league level. However, the personable Smith-Njigba made the most of his time in the minors.
“It teaches you that this game’s very humbling,” Smith-Njigba said. “Day in and day out, you just got to stay on your grind. This game brings a lot of adversity and I’ve truly embraced adversity throughout my whole career. From being a kid all the way up to here. I’m gonna continue to do that and face it. I will just do my best. Working hard because I know when I work hard good things happen. I’m just gonna continue doing what I need to do.”
If Smith-Njigba continues to hit with the power he showed at Indy, he will have a pretty good chance of forcing his way into the lineup in Pittsburgh at some point.
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