NEW YORK — Pittsburgh Pirates’ esteemed third baseman, Ke’Bryan Hayes, was notably absent from the lineup during Tuesday night’s face-off with the New York Mets, sidelined by sudden lower back tightness.
In a pre-game disclosure, Pirates’ manager Derek Shelton explained, “His back tightened during warm-ups and didn’t loosen as expected. To avoid further issues, we opted to rest him for the game,” following the team’s 3-1 defeat.
Filling the void, Jared Triolo transitioned from second to third base, taking Hayes’ critical No. 3 slot in the batting order. The lineup reshuffle also saw Oneil Cruz step in at shortstop despite an initially planned rest day, countering Mets’ lefty Jose Quintana. Meanwhile, Alika Williams switched from shortstop to second base.
Currently, Hayes holds a .277 average, yet is looking to notch his first home run, having driven in seven runs so far this season.
In related team news, veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal embarked on a rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Indianapolis amid recovery from plantar fasciitis in his left foot. “Grandal, who has missed essential preseason training, is gradually increasing his playtime,” Shelton remarked. Despite playing just a few innings and achieving a walk and an RBI, the timeline for his full return remains undecided.
The Pirates eagerly anticipate Grandal’s debut after his recent move from the Chicago White Sox, underlining their strategy to boost game fitness and base-running skills.
This ongoing shuffle within the Pirates’ roster underscores their strategic flexibility and cautious management of player health as they navigate the early season’s challenges.