Pirates Q&A: Oviedo Timeline, A Shortstop of the Future? (+)
The Pittsburgh Pirates just wrapped up their first home series of the season by salvaging the final game of a weekend series with the New York Yankees.
With the win, the Pirates have a disappointing 3-7 record through their first 10 games of the season.
Given the Pirates’ struggles to begin the year, there are a lot of questions surrounding the team and what lies ahead. We answer some of those questions below.
How is Johan Oviedo doing? Will he be able to return to the rotation (or the bullpen) soon? – Donna Hogarty
Oviedo, who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery in addition to dealing with a lat issue, was placed on the 60-day injured list at the beginning of the season. This means that he won’t be able to return until the end of May at the earliest.
The Pirates could use his services now as they opted for Carmen Mlodzinski, a converted relief pitcher, to anchor a spot in the starting rotation.
It will be interesting to see how the Pirates use Oviedo once he returns. By that time, top prospect Bubba Chandler will be that much closer to reaching the big leagues, if he’s not there already. They’ll have some options.
Is Endy really the answer at catcher or first base? I don’t see him at as a Freddie Sanchez? – Fred Kruse
Though I think Rodríguez can be a good player, I’m not yet sold on him being the guy at either spot just yet. If I had to choose between the two positions, I would say catcher given his defensive skills behind the plate.
For now, Rodríguez might be best served as a utility player as the Pirates are using him. In addition to catcher and first base, he has experience at second base and as a corner outfielder.
Rodríguez has a really good track record as a hitter in the minor leagues but it hasn’t yet translated to Pittsburgh. Until then, I’m not ready to anoint him as a starter just yet.
Is there a potential future Shortstop? – Fred Kruse
I believe the Pirates have their shortstop of the future but it will still be a while before we see him.
I’m extremely high on Konnor Griffin, the Pirates’ first-round choice from last season. The 18-year-old recently made his professional debut with the Bradenton Marauders and had two hits and a pair of steals.
Griffin already looks the part and possesses several impressive tools. He’s extremely athletic and can either play shortstop or center field. But given Oneil Cruz’s transition to center, I think Griffin is the Pirates’ shortstop of the future.
Why don’t they bring their biggest prospects up and see who is really a top prospect! It can’t hurt right now. Imagine finding a superstar they could definitely use! – Ray Albright
When it comes to position player prospects, the Pirates have preferred to get them everyday at-bats in Triple-A rather than risk only getting occasional opportunities in the big leagues. I might disagree with the logic to an extent, but that’s just how it is.
Pitching-wise, the Pirates already promoted one top prospect in Thomas Harrington despite a limited sample with Indianapolis. Guys like Bubba Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft might not be too far behind.
There should be several prospects who either debut or get significant playing time for the first time this season.
Will the Pirates bring up Nick Yorke soon? I think with NG out for awhile that they would be better served to show some urgency to win. – Tim
This question was asked beforehand, but it gives me an opportunity to provide an update on Nick Yorke.
Yorke was placed on the 7-day injured list for Indianapolis due to some shoulder soreness. General manager Ben Cherington said on his weekly radio show that he expects a relatively short stint on the IL. Once he returns and gets his feet back under him, I think the Pirates should give him a shot in Pittsburgh.
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