Pittsburgh Pirates: PNC Park Struggles Continue & Other Takeaways From Rockies Series

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 23: Gregory Polanco #25 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts after hitting a two run home run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park on May 23, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Josh Bell’s hot start is overshadowing Gregory Polanco’s start

Throughout the first two months of the 2019 season the focus and attention of the Pittsburgh Pirates offense has centered on Josh Bell, and rightfully so. After all, Bell is playing like a legitimate NL MVP candidate with a .339/.408/.718 slash line and a 192 wRC+.

However, one player that should not be overlooked is Gregory Polanco. The Pirates right fielder missed the first 19 games of the season due to offseason shoulder surgery. Since returning, he has looked the best he ever has.

After cranking his 5th home run of the season on Wednesday afternoon, Polanco now owns a .522 slugging percentage and a .244 ISO. Both of these numbers are career highs, as is his .365 wOBA and 132 wRC+. His 12.2% extra base hit rate is a career high as well.

Despite the fantastic start that Polanco is off to, it feels like no one is talking about it. Again, this is understandable due to Bell being off to a historically good start. But it’s time people start to talk more about the start Polanco is off to.

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Right now Polanco and Bell are giving the Pirate lineup a lethal 1-2 punch in the team’s lineup. If these two can continue to hit at a high level throughout the season, that will do nothing but bode well for the Pirates. In order for the Pirate offense to reach its full potential both Polanco and Bell need to be at their best, and, so far this season, they have been.

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