Which Pittsburgh Pirates Are Under Pressure The Next Two Weeks?

Sep 20, 2016

Sep 17, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) left fielder Adam Frazier (26) and right fielder Gregory Polanco (25) celebrate their 7-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 16, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle (left) talks with outfielder Matt Joyce (right) during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

As I said on the opening slide, every Major League Baseball player facing pressure from the start of the season until the end. However, some Pirate players are facing more pressure than others are in the 2016 season’s final two weeks. In my opinion Tony Watson, Adam Frazier, and Ivan Nova are facing more pressure than any other members of the Pirates.

Tony Watson’s job as closer might be on the line. In fact, his spot on the 2017 Pirates’ roster could be decided in the next 12 games. This puts pressure on Watson.

Adam Frazier could be hitting his way into being an everyday player in 2017. Frazier keeps hitting and getting on base. However, he is blocked at second base by Josh Harrison. But the pressure is on Frazier the next 12 games to prove that he can start over Harrison in 2017.

Finally, there is Ivan Nova. Nova will hit free agency this offseason and will get paid nicely. The better he pitches the next two weeks the better he will be paid. Therefore, there is pressure on Ivan Nova.

Next: Pirates Take Game One In Milwaukee