PT TOMORROW: NL Central—If Mercer warms, does Polanco pay?

Pittsburgh Pirates

Due to his continued lackluster production, Gregory Polanco (OF, PIT) has increasingly become the answer to the riddle of how to find a spot in the lineup for Jung-ho Kang (SS, PIT). When Polanco sits, Kang shifts to 3B, and Josh Harrison (3B, PIT) mans right field. This arrangement was made perhaps a bit more palatable this week, with Jordy Mercer (SS, PIT) showing some signs of life at the plate (4-for-11, 2B from May 24-27).

Local press reports noted that Polanco’s slash line this year (.242/.308/.340) looks suspiciously like last year’s (.235/.307/.343), which comports with the cautionary tone struck in this year’s Baseball Forecaster, suggesting that Polanco may not quite “pop” just yet. Nonetheless (as the...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

With a number of position battles still underway in the NL West, extra spring training reps for competing players may be the difference between a regular role in the show and a possible trip back to the minors.
Mar 7 2026 3:10am
It's time for the World Baseball Classic; who will see more playing time while players represent their countries in the tournament?
Mar 6 2026 3:05am
Sal Perez's absence for the WBC could mean it's Carter Jensen's time to shine in Royals camp. Plus, looks at WBC impacts on all AL Central rosters.
Mar 5 2026 3:10am
With players leaving camp to play in the WBC, who could gain some playing time increases in the AL West?
Mar 4 2026 3:10am
A rejuvenated Eloy Jiménez has stood out in early Grapefruit League action and should continue to get at-bats with many Toronto regulars playing in the WBC. Plus, more WBC fallout from around the division.
Mar 3 2026 3:03am

Tools