Coming into the 2024 MLB season, one of the strengths of the Pittsburgh Pirates was expected to be their offense. They had a deep, talented lineup and were hitting the cover off the ball during Spring Training.
The team got off to a hot start in the season, going 11-5 out of the gate. They won or split their first five series of the season. But, their entire lineup went cold at the same time, leading to a rough stretch for the last five weeks.
Since that start, Pittsburgh has gone 11-21. Their offense has been a major reason for that, as the pitching staff has been dominant. Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Mitch Keller make up what could become the best starting pitching trio in the MLB right now. Martin Perez, Bailey Falter and Quinn Priester give them a deep group of arms to rely on and have been keeping them afloat.
Looking to find a spark for the offense, the team is making a change to the roster. According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up Ji Hwan Bae from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Bae has been playing very well for the Indians in the minor leagues. He is hitting .367 in 27 games and the Pirates are hoping he can bring some of that with him to the major league team. This will be his first stint with the major league club in 2024 after playing 111 games last season in Pittsburgh.
It will be interesting to see what corresponding move the team makes. Several position players are performing at an underwhelming level that could be sent down to Triple-A or given their walking papers.
Bae is a versatile player who has played second base and center field for the Pittsburgh Pirates previously. He can handle shortstop and left field in a pinch as well, providing manager Derek Shelton with some flexibility when it comes to the lineup.
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