Pittsburgh Pirates Week in Review: Hot vs. Not

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Apr 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker (18) turns a double play during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

HOT

1. Neil Walker is on fire. Over the last seven days heading into Monday night, Walker is batting .393/.433/.571 with a 1.005 OPS with five doubles and five RBIs. Needless to say, he’s put the offense on his back. During this time, he’s led the team in total bases, RBIs, doubles, and hits, and tied for the team lead in walks. Walker’s been relied upon as a run producer in the middle of the Bucs’ lineup, as the team hasn’t felt comfortable enough to place Pedro Alvarez in that role, and they probably never will. If Walker continues to produce at a high rate in the cleanup spot, Andrew McCutchen may finally get the protection he has been looking for behind him in the lineup since he came into the league.

Next: The Lone Lefty on the Bench

Schedule