Good afternoon from PNC Park where today the wait has ended. Gregory Polanco has arrived in Pittsburgh and will start tonight for the Pirates (30-33) as they take on the Cubs (25-36) in the second game of a four-game set. Francisco Liriano (1-6, 4.54 ERA) will face fellow lefty Travis Wood (5-5, 5.04 ERA).
Hurdle’s Quotes
On tampering Polanco’s emotions for his first ML game: “We’ll have a small conversation. Similar to the one we had when he came to big league camp. Remind him that, here, respect everything, fear nothing and hold on to the one word that is very descriptive of Gregory and when he plays, play. You go out there and play. You’ve done the work, you put in your time, your preparation, your focus. Play ball.”
On his transition, not only to the big leagues, but to another country from his home: “I believe, he’s got enough samples. It became a big deal last year in winter ball. Obviously, there was a lot of tension in spring training. Hopefully, there comes a point in time where he actually can believe that he can unpack his bags as well which enhances everybody’s comfort zone to some degree. I can’t even try and fathom the excitement that he’s got and we’ll continue to remind him that he’s not carrying a country, he’s not carrying an organization. You’ve been a great worker and a great student of the game. There’s much to continue to learn and listen, but the experiences are going to help that and you’re going to have a support group here as good as you’ve had anywhere else.”
What’s lost in all of this is the fact that the Pirates have lost their second basemen for at least the 15-Day DL stint that he is on.
On losing Neil Walker for an extended period of time: “It’s a hit and I spoke to Neil last evening after [His wife] had left the hospital and I shared that with him that we have not lost sight of the fact that he’s been unplugged and encouraged him to stay mentally strong, to do what he’s able to do when he’s able to do it. This could very well, based on his makeup, his focus, turn out to be a blessing in disguise. It’s unfortunate, the last three years, he’s hasn’t been able to stay off the DL. This is completely out of his control like the other three were so, it’s going to test him mentally. He’s been an anchor to this lineup.”
Other Notes
— With Neil Walker’s absence, Josh Harrison and Clint Barmes will fill his role until he is able to return.
— In 62 games at AAA this season, Gregory Polanco hit .347 (86-for-248) with 17 doubles, five triples, seven home runs, 49 RBI and 15 stolen bases. He was named the International League Player-of-the-Month for April.
Tonight’s Pirates Lineup
Hurdle immediately will put Polanco in the #2 spot of the lineup instead of letting him get used to the majors at a lower spot.
“It just looked right,” said Hurdle. “With Walker’s absence now, you’re looking for some offense to supplement what’s been taken away for a period of time and you got a guy with bat-to-ball strengths, strike zone discipline strengths, the ability to run, an on base percentage guy his entire career, so following Harrison and in front of McCutchen is a pretty good spot to be in.”
First pitch is set for 7:05.
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(Photo Credit: Travis Berardi/PSN)
