Pirates Activate Gregory Polanco from the Disabled List

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 20: Gregory Polanco
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 20: Gregory Polanco /
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The Pirate outfield will get a big boost tonight

After tweaking his hamstring in Denver on July 21st, Gregory Polanco has returned from the disabled list. The Pirates’ right fielder spent just 11 days on the 10-day disabled list. Thankfully, his hamstring issue was not a major one.

On top of being activated from the disabled list, Gregory Polanco will be in the lineup this evening. Polanco will be batting sixth for the Pirates. Hopefully, he can pick up where he left off at in July prior to getting injured.

During the month of July, Gregory Polanco was arguably the Pirates best player. During the month of July Polanco owned a .406 on-base percentage, .629 slugging percentage, .435 wOBA, and a 172 wRC+. He was also playing top notch defense in right field.

At this point, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ main focus needs to be 2018. If the Pirates are going to rebound to make the postseason in 2018 Gregory Polanco needs to be a big part of that. Hopefully, Polanco can have a strong final two months of 2017 to catapult himself into big things in 2018.

To make room for Polanco on the roster outfielder Jordan Luplow was optioned back to Triple-A. In 10 plate appearances since his promotion, this past Friday Luplow has been held hitless and has drawn one walk.

Jordan Luplow has the potential to be a good Major League hitter one day. However, he has just 86 Triple-A plate appearances. Sending him back to Indianapolis to get everyday at bats makes sense. Do not be surprised, though, if Luplow returns at some point in September when rosters expand.

Additionally, the Pirates placed Wade LeBlanc on the bereavement list today. Dovydas Neverauskas was recalled to replace him on the roster.

Next: Tyler Glasnow has Earned Another Crack at the Majors

There is no denying that the Pittsburgh Pirates have missed Gregory Polanco the past nine games. The lack of Polanco is a big reason why they are just 2-7 in these games. Getting Polanco back tonight should be a nice boost for the Pirates.