The Pittsburgh Pirates shuffled up their outfield at the major league level for the first time this year, optioning Canaan Smith-Njigba to Indianapolis to give him an opportunity to play everyday and break out of his early season slump.
Someone already in Triple-A getting everyday playing time in the outfield that’s hoping to still be in the mix is Miguel Andujar.
Claimed off of waivers late in the 2022 season, Andujar’s shot to make the major league team gradually decreased as the team continued to bring in more and more outfield options during the offseason.
He was eventually designated for assignment and assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis. He got off to a slow start, but may be hitting the ball better than anyone else in the upper levels right now.
After Wednesday’s game, Andujar has picked up nine hits during his five game hitting streak, four of which have gone for extra-bases.
That one got out in a HURRY.
On the season, the 28-year-old has a .298/.379/.524 battling slash, with three home runs, and 15 RBI while also walking (11) just as much as he has struckout (11).
The Pirates went out and brought in Andrew McCutchen and Connor Joe during the offseason, both right-handed outfielders, which further pushed Andujar down the depth chart.
Even at first base, another position he plays, the Pirates brought in Carlos Santana and Ji-Man Choi during the offseason as well.
One of the biggest focuses this offseason was to build up some depth throughout the system, and we’ve seen that with some prospects restarting at the level they spent most of last year.
In years prior, Andujar would have been a prime candidate to start the year coming off the bench, or at worst being one of the first call-ups when a player is needed. Now the picture of him getting back to the majors is a little cloudy, but he’s still doing his best to remain ready should the opportunity present itself.
Prospect Notes
– That was maybe the best start in the early career for Bubba Chandler. For the second consecutive start he completed at least five innings – something he did just once last year – and did so without allowing a run and striking out nine batters.
Bubba is a mad man today. Fastball is working and more importantly he’s showing command with it. Beautiful paint job for the K. pic.twitter.com/MgnMFGJIFA
— Cody Potanko (@2HG013) April 26, 2023
According to the broadcast he was sitting more in the 93-95 range with the fastball, but he’s controlling it far better than he did last year. Even in that case, we know that he can always dial it up further if he needs to.
Both Chandler and Anthony Solometo have looked solid in both their outings this week, and are already showing signs of making progress this early in the season.
Daily Video Rundown
Jackson Glenn drives in Bowen from third after a beautiful steal of 2nd and advance to third after a bad throw. Nice placement down the first base line for an RBI double. pic.twitter.com/gAiVtEsy6c
— Cody Potanko (@2HG013) April 26, 2023
Jackson Glenn is quietly having himself a decently good start to the season. He has a .769 OPS through 12 games played this year.
Fastball above the belt… BELTED.
Called up to Indianapolis from Greensboro to provide some depth on the bench, Brenden Dixon comes up big with the bases loaded, his first Triple-A hit being a grand slam.
Look out in Philadelphia! @henrydavis32 just CRUSHED his fifth home run of the season! pic.twitter.com/oDSa30exBq
— Altoona Curve (@AltoonaCurve) April 27, 2023
The power has been there, but his approach at the plate and staying healthy, have really allowed Henry Davis show what made him the first overall pick in 2021.
Pirates Prospects Daily
By Tim Williams
I threw my hands up, instinctively, three times this week.
The first time was when Jack Suwinski robbed a three run home run.
The second time was on Wednesday afternoon, as I was attempting to give my cats medicine. I never said these instances were baseball related.
The most recent time was when Drew Maggi took that massive cut at the first pitch he saw, and sent it ripping to right field.
That was a really cool moment.
Pirates Recap: Pirates Celebrate Ro Day by Thrashing the Dodgers
Prospect Watch: Strong Start from Bubba Chandler; Henry Davis Homers
**The Pirates announced their deal with Bryan Reynolds. I wrote about that deal in my most recent column. I took yesterday off to recharge.
Williams: Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates Are Ready to Contend
**On the transaction front, the Pirates called up Cody Bolton.
**From yesterday, Anthony wrote about how the aggressiveness on the bases continues to open up the Pirates offense.
Song of the Day
