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Pirates: Deep, Versatile Bench Best in MLB

ByRich Donahue

May 28, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Matt Joyce (17) is congratulated by first baseman Sean Rodriguez (3) after scoring a run in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Matt Joyce (17) is congratulated by first baseman Sean Rodriguez (3) after scoring a run in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates face the Miami Marlins as they continue their series in South Beach.

ThePirateshave surged out of the gate offensively in 2016. They rank towards the top in batting average, OBP, slugging and runs scored in the majors. A lot of this is thanks to hot starts byGregory Polanco,Starling MarteandJohn Jaso, but a group that deserves some of the credit is the Pirates bench.

Not many teams in baseball can sit part of their starting core and not skip a beat. That has been the case for the Pirates this year. Last night’s 10-0 win Miami was an example. David Freese went 4-5 with 2 RBI whileSean Rodriguezblasted a 2 run homer in the top of the ninth.

Freesewas a regular in the lineup to begin the year withJung Ho Kangout. Now with Kang back, the former World Series has settled into his platoon role at third and at first with Jaso. Sean Rod already has more home runs (6) than he did all of last season when he hit only 4. His hot bat has cooled off a bit, but the super utility man is still hitting .286 in 91 at bats.

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Former all-starMatt Joyce’simpact cannot be ignored either. Joyce has come up big as a pinch hitter, hitting .286 and smashing 3 of his 5 home runs. He has also filled in nicely as an outfielder when needed.

Grizzled veteranChris Stewartcontinues to be a reliable backup catcher for the Pirates. Though his .214 average is lowest on the team, he has thrown out 33% of runners, a higher percentage thanFrancisco Cervelli.Cole Figueroahas been used sparingly since being called up from AAA, but has shown flashes of being able to produce when called upon.

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As the dog days of summer approach, this deep, versatile bench will be the key for the Pirates hanging around in the national league central race. Even if injuries occur to the starting lineup, the bench guys will step up and the offense will continue to roll.