BRADENTON, Fla. — It’s not precisely straightforward to get a transfer or roster determination out of Derek Shelton earlier than it’s finalized. That’s greater than comprehensible, particularly since he and the crew don’t have anything to realize from him speculating or asserting one thing earlier than the participant is aware of.
However on the subject of the Pirates’ second base competitors, the hand has been tipped. Nick Gonzales was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday. Liover Peguero was subsequently optioned Friday. Ji Hwan Bae is working again from a hip flexor and may begin a working development early subsequent week, which places his Opening Day standing very a lot in query.
Due to this fact, can we assume that Jared Triolo is the winner of the second base job?
“I’d say that’s a really secure assumption,” Shelton mentioned with a smile after the Pirates’ 4-1 win over the Pink Sox at LECOM Park on Saturday.
It’s onerous to search out fault with Triolo being the man. He’s hit nicely this spring, recording a .324 batting common and a .919 OPS. A transformed third baseman, he’s wanting greater than comfy at second base. Plus, he completed final 12 months on a tear after his June debut, recording 2.1 WAR with a .786 OPS as a rookie in 2023.
All of these components give Shelton loads of confidence in his younger participant.
“We noticed what he did final 12 months in September,” Shelton mentioned. “The [swing] adjustment he made when he went to Indy, he carried it over into September. He’s carried it into spring. Somebody requested the opposite day the place he has improved defensively. It’s across the bag. Going to his left as we speak on the ball, that’s a tricky play for a big-bodied second baseman. He made that actually easily. He simply continues to get higher on that facet of the sector.”
Triolo declined to say a lot till he obtained official phrase from the crew that he’s the man, however at this level, it’s a poorly saved secret.
“I simply got here in with the intent of constructing the crew, getting my legs beneath me and feeling good on the plate,” Triolo mentioned. “Taking floor balls in every single place. I really feel like I completed that, and I am prepared for the season.”
The second base competitors was arguably essentially the most intriguing on the place participant facet this 12 months as a result of all 4 of the principle candidates have been lately extremely rated prospects. In addition they all got here up by means of the farm system collectively and have been mates for years, which saved competitors from getting ugly.
“I believe with different guys, you anticipate in a contest for guys to be jerks about it, however all people was serving to one another out,” Triolo mentioned. “I used to be new to the place, in order that they have been serving to me out.”
If it wasn’t Triolo, Peguero seemed to be the subsequent alternative, however an sickness sidelined him lately, which impacted his potential enjoying time.
“We had different folks in entrance of Peggy proper now,” Shelton mentioned. “We need to ensure that he performs.”
Contreras welcoming new roleRoansy Contreras got here into camp with higher stuff, extra confidence and an opportunity to earn a rotation spot, however after a shaky spring and a few wild outings, he’s presently being seen as a reliever.
Shelton shared the information of the choice Thursday, and Contreras is taking it nicely.
“It’s a chance to assist the crew win, and if that’s the transfer, I’m good with it,” Contreras mentioned through interpreter Stephen Morales.
Contreras’ need is to earn a rotation spot once more, but when the crew feels it’s in a greater spot to win video games with him within the bullpen for now, he’s “very happy” to conform.
“That is the entire level of this, simply to realize confidence in my pitches, myself and simply transfer ahead,” Contreras mentioned.
Contreras tossed a scoreless seventh inning on Saturday, working round a single and a stroll. Contreras walked 14 over 14 1/3 innings this spring.
Fleming to the ‘penAlso transferring to the bullpen is Josh Fleming, who tossed a scoreless sixth with a stroll and a strikeout on Saturday.
Fleming was initially introduced into camp to compete for a starter position, however his final two outings have been only one inning every.
Fleming has recorded a 3.55 ERA and 11 strikeouts over 12 2/3 innings this spring. His 61.6 p.c floor ball price final 12 months ranked within the 98th percentile of gamers.
