PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Current playing time allocations with long-term implications

Pittsburgh Pirates

Though it hasn’t necessarily netted the results the team had hoped for, the Pirates promoted several prospects this summer and have improved the long-term outlook of their big league club. Several of those promotions have come when players such as Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B, PIT) and Ji-Hwan Bae (2B/CF, PIT) landed on the injured list. Hayes’ role was secure due to both his defensive ability and sizable financial commitment, but Bae’s role upon his return was less clear.

Bae was activated from the injured list Aug. 18, and he has since been in the lineup for all three games. Not only that, but he’s led off in each contest, something he had done only seven times in the three months prior to his injuries. He’s benefited from

Almost!

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