Pirates’ Jared Triolo Takes Gold Glove Defense to Outfield Grass
When Jared Triolo won a Gold Glove as a utility player in 2024, he only played one inning of outfield – his first-career defensive appearance that wasn’t in the infield dirt.
Most of Triolo’s time with the Pittsburgh Pirates has come at third base, though he’s played all four infield spots. Just about anywhere he’s been plugged, Triolo has provided quality defense.
Now, the 28-year-old will look to impact another position.
The Pirates started Triolo in right field in each of their final two games against the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend. With a crowded infield consisting of Nick Gonzales at third, Konnor Griffin at short, Brandon Lowe at second and Spencer Horwitz at first, Triolo could continue to spend time patrolling the outfield grass.
“[Manager Don Kelly] gave me a little heads up and said, ‘Be ready to go out there,’” Triolo said. “So, yeah, I felt like I was ready.”
Triolo has been doing what he can to get acclimated in the outfield since around the time Jake Mangum was placed on the injured list on May 8. Outside of the last two games he started in right field and the lone inning he played there in 2024, Triolo has played a total of eight games in the outfielder (seven in center, one in right) during his minor-league career.
Triolo says he’s worked with everybody who knows anything about playing the outfield.
“Getting out there for [batting practice] and getting reads off the bat,” Triolo said of his preparation. “I think that definitely helps the most, so that’s what I’ve been prioritizing.”
Triolo was tested immediately during his first-career start in right field on Saturday. Phillies leadoff hitter Trea Turner hit a liner to right field on Bubba Chandler’s first pitch of the game. Triolo came in and made a diving attempt, but the ball popped out of his glove after hitting the ground.
In the second inning, Kyle Schwarber doubled into the right field corner. Triolo got to it quickly and fired it home, but his throw skipped away from relay man Brandon Lowe, which allowed another run to score on what was scored a throwing error.
It was a tough error to be charged with, manager Don Kelly said after the game, but Triolo took the blame.
“Sort-hopped him and that’s kind of what happened,” he explained. “I kind of put him in a tough spot with his back to the play.”
It’s no easy task to patrol right field at PNC Park. Not only does a player have to deal with a 21-foot high fence that causes odd bounces on balls in play, but there isn’t much room in the right field corner.
Triolo, though, is trying to keep things simple.
“I do feel pretty comfortable, he said. “Just trying to play baseball out there. Ball goes up, try to catch it and throw to the right bases.”
Pirates coaches Tony Beasley and Tarrik Brock have been among those who are helping Triolo try and navigate the uniqueness of the position.
“Just kind of being aware of my surroundings and knowing what kind of kick you’ll get off different parts of the wall,” Triolo said when asked what he’s worked on. “Running through some scenarios where we’re going to throw the ball when you get it down the line or in the gap. That sort of stuff.”
Triolo, who says he has no preference on whether he plays right, left or center. Sunday’s game might not have nee the last of him in the outfield, especially now that starting right fielder Ryan O’Hearn will be sidelined for a few weeks with a quad strain.
A utility player for his entire career, Triolo’s versatility is growing even more. He now has use for an infield glove, an outfield glove and a first baseman’s glove. All that’s missing is a catcher’s mitt, though Triolo says he’s alright with not adding that one to his bag.
“No, we’ll wait on that one,” he said with a smile. “We’ll be good on that.”
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