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3 Takeaways From Pittsburgh Pirates Two-Game Series In Detroit

By Marty Leap

oDETROIT, MI - APRIL 16: Starling Marte #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, right, celebrates with Jung Ho Kang #16 of the Pittsburgh Pirates after a 5-3 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 16, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Marte hit a two-run home run to break a 5-3 tie during the 10th inning. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
oDETROIT, MI - APRIL 16: Starling Marte #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates, right, celebrates with Jung Ho Kang #16 of the Pittsburgh Pirates after a 5-3 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 16, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Marte hit a two-run home run to break a 5-3 tie during the 10th inning. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – MARCH 28: Corey Dickerson #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats in the third inning on Opening Day between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – MARCH 28: Corey Dickerson #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats in the third inning on Opening Day between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

The Pirates miss Corey Dickerson at the plate and in the field

Injuries have plagued the Pirates early on this season. While high leverage reliever Kyle Crick returned from the injured list on Tuesday, the team still has four key players on the IL. One of these players is starting left fielder Corey Dickerson.

During his absence, the Pirate offense has missed Dickerson. He is one of the team’s best hitters and the offense has been inconsistent without him. However, maybe even more than his bat, the team misses his glove.

The primary players filling in for Dickerson in left field have been Jason Martin and Pablo Reyes. Both Martin and Reyes own a negative defensive runs saved this season. To be honest, had Dickerson been in left field on Wednesday night there is a good chance the Tigers would have been shutout.

The Pirates do not miss Dickerson’s glove just due to the defensive struggles of Martin and Reyes, but also because he is one of the best in the NL. In 2018 Dickerson led all NL left fielders in DRS, outfield assists, and fielding percentage on his way to capturing the NL Gold Glove Award.

Hopefully, Dickerson will return soon from his right shoulder soreness. Right now, the Pirates miss both his bat and glove dearly.

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