Jared

Triolo

He had as many RBI today as in his previous 24 games combined. Triolo initially took over as the Pirates’ everyday shortstop when Isiah Kiner-Falefa was given away, but he’s been back at third with Nick Gonzales playing shortstop lately. It seems like an unusual move, given that Triolo is probably only an adequate regular if he’s serving as an above average defensive shortstop. Gonzales, though, would also be a much more interesting regular if he proves he’s a quality shortstop. It won’t mean much for the long term if top prospect Konnor Griffin stays at shortstop, but if he eventually moves off the position, as most think he will, there are ramifications. For one, Gonzales at short would open up second base for Nick Yorke and maybe eventually Termarr Johnson next year.

Cruz has been moved up to the top of the lineup card ahead of Jared Triolo for the first time since coming off the injured list back in late August. The 26-year-old center fielder has been relegated to a platoon role of late with the Pirates choosing to give Alexander Canario and Jack Suwinski opportunities in the outfield.

Triolo knocked a base hit in the third inning, then later extended the Pirates lead to four runs with a solo blast in the ninth off Shinnosuke Ogasawara. The 27-year-old infielder has been the everyday leadoff man for Pittsburgh, slashing .229/.319/.364 with six homers, 36 runs scored, 21 RBI, and ten steals across 316 plate appearances.

Triolo has been tremendous for the Pirates since coming back in August, hitting .329 in 24 games with two home runs, eight RBI, 14 runs, and four steals. His multi-position eligibility makes him fantasy relevant in deeper formats. Liover Peguero will start at shortstop and bat eighth on Thursday.

Triolo has homered in back-to-back games after hitting just three in his first 74 games this season. Unfortunately, he’s not going to get to face any additional Rockies pitching over the final five weeks of the season. Going 6-for-14 this weekend raised his OPS from .581 to .651.

Triolo extended the Pirates’ lead in the fourth with a two-run homer off Kyle Freeland. He later led off the fifth with a triple and scored on a double by Bryan Reynolds. The 27-year-old infielder is hitting .205/.299/.322 with four homers, 23 runs scored, 15 RBI, and eight steals across 237 plate appearances.

Triolo led off the third inning with a single but was ultimately stranded at second base. He then singled with one out in the seventh inning, deftly swiped second base and scored the go-ahead run on an RBI double by Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Even with his two-hit attack, the 27-year-old infielder is slashing a putrid .186/.275/.279 with three homers, 13 RBI and six stolen bases in 209 plate appearances on the year.

Triolo smacked a two-run single into center off of Brady Singer in the opening inning, extending the Pirates’ advantage to 3-0. He also reached on an error to start the seventh inning and rode home on a two-run blast off the bat of Henry Davis. On the season, the 27-year-old infielder is now hitting .176/.275/.277 to go along with three homers, 13 RBI and five stolen bases.

Triolo was recalled prior to Friday’s game against the Rockies. He’ll occupy a bench role over the final two months of the season.

The Pirates wanted to add a fresh arm to their bullpen in favor of a bench bat on Friday which means that Triolo finds himself as the odd man out. The 27-year-old infielder has slashed a miserable .158/.553/.266 with three homers, 10 RBI, five stolen bases and a 29/17 K/BB ratio over 160 plate appearances with the Pirates this season.