Pittsburgh Pirates looking for ways to keep Francisco Cervilli in lineup
The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking for ways to keep Francisco Cervell in the lineup. That includes potentially giving him a few starts at first.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, perhaps unexpectedly, have a bit of a quandary behind the plate. Francisco Cervelli is in the midst of his best season in the majors, posting a 129 OPS+, a mark 27 points higher than his career total. His nine homers this season are a personal best, surpassing the seven home runs he hit in 2015. He has been, surprisingly, quite the productive hitter.
Meanwhile, the Pirates backup catcher, Elias Diaz, is also hitting well. In his 164 plate appearances, Diaz has a solid .280/.329/.473 batting line, hitting seven homers and eight doubles. Obviously, the Pirates would like to keep both in the lineup, but that makes it difficult given that both are catchers.
However, a solution may be forthcoming. In an effort to keep Cervelli’s bat, and Diaz’ in the lineup, manager Clint Hurdle is looking to play Cervelli at first. he took some grounders there last week, which may lead to his getting from out behind the plate.
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Aside from Cervelli’s production this season, it is understandable as to why the Pirates would look to make a change. Former top prospect Josh Bell has not exactly set the world afire this season, disappointing after a promising rookie campaign. So far, Bell has produced a .259/.340/.396 batting line with just five homers in his 362 plate appearances. He has been a large part of why the Pirates have the lowest OPS at first of any team in the National League.
This would not be Cervelli’s first appearance at first base. He has seven career games at first, albeit for a total of 49 innings. While he has not been great there defensively, Cervelli has been somewhat passable at first base. And, to be fair, Bell is not exactly a Gold Glove first baseman either.
It will be interesting to see if Cervelli ends up getting some action at first in the second half. Currently on the disabled list due to post concussive symptoms, and with his injury history, getting out from behind the plate more often could keep the Pirates primary catcher healthy. Even though he is not Buster Posey, a similar role could work wonders for Pittsburgh going forward.
Next: Pirates should take chance on Cabrera
The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to improve their production at first and to keep Francisco Cervelli in the lineup. Giving Cervelli a few games at first base could solve both problems.