Heading into to Spring Training this season, it seemed that Pirates outfielder/first baseman Andrew Lambo was on track to start the season in the majors. Penciled in as the left-handed portion of a platoon with Gaby Sanchez at first base, all the pieces seemed to be in place for Lambo.
Unfortunately, a dreadful showing at Bradenton not only cost Lambo a job most assumed would be his, it also cost him an Opening Day roster position. Once optioned to the Pirates AAA affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians, things only got worse. After a solid start at Indy, Lambo would then break his thumb in early May, an injury that would not only cost him nearly three months of playing time, but vital reps at first base, a position Lambo had not played regularly since high school.
Now healthy, Lambo has been on an absolute tear since being activated from the DL in Indy on July 17th. With 12 hits in his last 26 at bats over six games, Lambo has needed little time to find his groove in the batter’s box. This hot streak includes a four-hit, two-home run game July 19th.
In fact, Lambo’s 32 game, 119 at bat sample this season in Indy, though limited, has been outstanding. A batting average of .370, an OPS of 1.062 and a slugging percentage over .600 all have provide eye popping indications that Lambo could be a guy who could make an impact for the Pirates at some point this season.
During a brief call up last year after having some of the best hitting numbers in AAA, Lambo did little with the Pirates. To be fair, 30 at bats in 18 games is going to be difficult for most. With more strong play in Indy, especially at the plate, is there reason to think Lambo might be ready help the Pirates?
In an interview with Ryan Palencer, who covers the Indians for Pirates Prospects, simplifying his approach at the plate is one of the biggest things he notices about Lambo this season.
“Lambo seems to be at his best when he is spraying the ball to all fields, hitting balls to the gaps for doubles, and worrrying less about trying to hit the ball out of the park,” Palencer said. “You see it right now, he’s confident at the plate, and every ball he hits just seems to be jumping off the bat. That’s another difference, the confidence he seems to have right now, it’s improved even more from last year.”
One of the biggest issues facing Lambo is out of his control. The Pirates currently have Ike Davis playing the left-handed platoon at first. Also, with an outfield that looks to be set for years to come, the reality is Lambo would be a extra outfielder, but the Pirates already have Travis Snider, who also bats left.
So, what can the Pirates do? Palencer noted that, “Though Lambo has been getting reps in right field, he did play first the other night, and he’s looked pretty good there when he’s played first.”
It seems that Lambo might need to prove that he can play multiple positions along with continuing his impressive production hitting wise.
Certainly one option is to let Lambo continue to get regular work at Indy, and when September call-up’s come, Lambo can join the Pirates expanded roster. This probably makes the most sense, as it guarantees that Lambo can get regular at bats along with hopefully seeing reps at first base. If he continues to develop, it could be enough of a reason to believe Lambo can battle for a roster spot again next Spring.
Another possibilty is to consider trading Lambo in order to upgrade the bench with a proven veteran or even bolster the bullpen. Many teams do not share the luxury of so many talented outfielders at various levels of the organization, and there could a team more than willing to give Lambo major league opportunity that he can’t currently get in Pittsburgh.
With Pirates GM Neal Huntington likely hesitant to part with Starling Marte, or a highly-touted prospect like Josh Bell, trading Lambo could be another way to improve a Pirates team very much in contention in the National League.
